I had the pleasure of meeting Mike and joining the DeSmet Lacrosse family five years ago when my husband began teaching and coaching at DeSmet. Through the years I’ve made lots of memories involving Mike, but there is one that will not stop playing in my mind. It was the weekend before he passed, and all three DeSmet teams were playing Columbia Rockbridge. JV played last and Mike stayed around to see the game. At the end of the game he leaned over my daughter, Stella (11 weeks at the time), in her stroller and said “Oh, I want one of these.” I made a comment on how wonderful babies are and he looked at me with that devilish grin and said “No, I meant a buggy for someone to push me around in!” he winked and softly punched me in the shoulder. What a stinker.
That is my favorite Mike memory, and unfortunately turned out to be the last I’ll ever make. I think that Mike realized that the toughest person to coach is your own child – inevitably your child will have inherited some of the weaknesses that you’ve worked so hard to overcome. Watching your child struggle in that same way, through those same things, has to be difficult and coaching him through has to be the ultimate challenge. What makes me saddest through out this grieving process is that, for Mike, the time was right. He was ready to take that challenge and there is no doubt that he would have been the ultimate coach & father.
Having never been coached by Mike, I have to say that I’ve learned so much about him these past few days just by watching Amber. She has been the picture of strength, courage and beauty. She’s carrying on in life in a way that only Mike could have shown her. As she said, she has “big shoes to fill”, but I can’t imagine anyone short of Mike himself doing as good a job. For me, Stella is the ultimate symbol that, even though it feels like the world should stop for even just one minute to allow us all to catch our breath, life goes on. The best we can do in the face of it all is follow in Mike’s footsteps.
Caitlin Plein
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
It took me a few days to really put into perspective the impact that coach had on my life. Over the years, you slowly forget all the special things people have done for you. Unfortuneatly, this past weekend was a sad reminder of just how important of a figure coach was in my life. There are so many wonderful things to say about him - his tireless work ethic, his drive to be the absolute best at everything he did, his profound impact on the game of lacrosse in the state of Missouri. All are impressive, but one trait seemed to stand out to me above the rest.
He was a man who I came to respect not for his accomplishments on the field and sideline, as impressive as they were, but rather for his never ending dedication to his players. He understood more than any coach I have ever had that life extended beyond the playing field. He was man who was not afraid to share his own problems and emotions with his players and would bend over backwards to help anyone with their own. I shared tears as well as laughs with coach during my time as a player and it was his willingness to do so that earned his players trust.
We were all so lucky to have known him. Thank you for all you done for us coach. You will be dearly missed.
George Kriegshauser '02
He was a man who I came to respect not for his accomplishments on the field and sideline, as impressive as they were, but rather for his never ending dedication to his players. He understood more than any coach I have ever had that life extended beyond the playing field. He was man who was not afraid to share his own problems and emotions with his players and would bend over backwards to help anyone with their own. I shared tears as well as laughs with coach during my time as a player and it was his willingness to do so that earned his players trust.
We were all so lucky to have known him. Thank you for all you done for us coach. You will be dearly missed.
George Kriegshauser '02
Learning from Uncle Buck
Michael Sennett, or 'Uncle Buck' as we called him, has made a huge impact on my life, as well as many others. He is my fathers best friend, and I grew up with him being my uncle..but he really was a second dad to me. He was ALWAYS there when you needed him, night or day, rain or shine. I remember once my mom and dad couldn't get a babysitter for my brother and sister and I because we we're kind of bad kids- and Uncle Buck was over here in a heart beat. He let us eat ice cream and stay up past our bed time. I got a lacrosse stick for the first time in 5th grade, because I really wanted to play girls lacrosse. I had wrecked up the strings pretty badly, and in no time flat he restringed the entire stick. He came over every Christmas and Thanksgiving to be with us, and we had a riot with him. I always would take the mashed potatoes from him and we would fight over them. We always gave him the honor of saying the grace, because he was a devout christian and he said the best graces. The last time I saw Uncle Buck was in July. I had just bought new shoes, and decided to walk a mile over to my friends house- not thinking that the shoes were 6 inches high, and I would surely do damage in them. I walked out of the house, stumbling, and he looked at me and said, "Natalie. Be serious, you are going to break a leg in those shoes." I stuck my tounge out at him and he said, "You look like you could be an exotic dancer! =]" Sure enough, while walking that mile, I fell down the hill and broke my toe. I also remember being at his house once with my sister for a BBQ, and I asked if he had any 'kid movies' and he said, "No, I don't..but I think the most appropriate is called 'Maverick'."I'll never forget watching that with him, while my dad [Eddie Condon] and him watched a war movie upstairs, gun shots blasting throughout the house. He wasn't able to come to Christmas or Thanksgiving this year, but we still chatted on the phone. My sister had the opportunity to talk to him two days before he passed away, a chance I wish I could have had. I don't quite remember if I ever said I love you to him, but I'm sure that he knew it. I recently came across a poem that was read at the funeral of my best friend, who died on Easter of brain cancer. I Love you uncle buck, and I can't wait to see you in heaven. You are a true inspiration and hero to everyone you met. Thank you for staying so strong..when other people [myself included] were crumbling. I love you so incredibly much. xoxo
God saw Uncle Buck was getting tired
and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around him
and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him
suffer and fade away.
Although we loved him deeply,
we could not make him stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best
God saw Uncle Buck was getting tired
and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around him
and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him
suffer and fade away.
Although we loved him deeply,
we could not make him stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best
Mike was recruited by Tom Clemens to join The Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/The Hempstead Group while attending Notre Dame. Following graduation, his Dad accompanied him when he moved to St. Louis where he knew no one. After meeting with the financial representatives and staff in our organization, Mike's Dad was confident he would succeed in this career.
Like most sales representatives moving into a new area, Mike struck out on his own, volunteering as a fireman, volunteering at DeSmet, and "volunteering" with Northwestern Mutual. Back then, it was commission only.
He had solid values, a strong faith and cared deeply about his "careers" and those with whom he was associated.
Mike was very conscientious in working with his clients. It was very important to him to make certain that the products he recommended best met the needs of each client.
There was no question that Mike's passion was lacrosse but he very capably balanced his lacrosee career and his career with Northwestern Mutual, and excelled in both.
When you lose someone like Mike, a little "heart" of the organization is also lost. We will deeply miss Mike.
Ed Hempstead, Managing Partner
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/The Hempstead Group
Like most sales representatives moving into a new area, Mike struck out on his own, volunteering as a fireman, volunteering at DeSmet, and "volunteering" with Northwestern Mutual. Back then, it was commission only.
He had solid values, a strong faith and cared deeply about his "careers" and those with whom he was associated.
Mike was very conscientious in working with his clients. It was very important to him to make certain that the products he recommended best met the needs of each client.
There was no question that Mike's passion was lacrosse but he very capably balanced his lacrosee career and his career with Northwestern Mutual, and excelled in both.
When you lose someone like Mike, a little "heart" of the organization is also lost. We will deeply miss Mike.
Ed Hempstead, Managing Partner
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/The Hempstead Group
Peace, Brother.
Mike, thanks for the laughs, and thanks for the lessons on the importance of faith, humility, sharing, caring, prayer, sacrifice, priorities, preparation, honesty, love, etc. taught through the vehicle of a great sport. We can't thank you enough for being such a great example for the boys.
We all really miss you right now, brother, but will always see that grin and feel the hugs. Saturday's "adversity" was the ultimate character builder, I guess, and it sure seems to be working as planned by The Master, as your passing has brought out the best in so many of your loving friends. Hearing Amber, Abby, and your family tell us how much you loved all of us gives us such great comfort. You would have been proud of them and the coaches last night ("Courage is grace under pressure!"). You know the feeling is mutual.
Peace, Steve B., Nancy, and The Boys
We all really miss you right now, brother, but will always see that grin and feel the hugs. Saturday's "adversity" was the ultimate character builder, I guess, and it sure seems to be working as planned by The Master, as your passing has brought out the best in so many of your loving friends. Hearing Amber, Abby, and your family tell us how much you loved all of us gives us such great comfort. You would have been proud of them and the coaches last night ("Courage is grace under pressure!"). You know the feeling is mutual.
Peace, Steve B., Nancy, and The Boys
Losing a Hero
As long as I've lived in St. Louis I can remember stories about this man. My brother played for him from '99 to '04, and while we played in the backyard I remember the way he talked up his coach, the way he idolized his coach. He was a legend to me before I even met him. I got to meet Coach Sennett whenever I made it to my brother's games. Even in 7th grade I could tell there was something special about the way he conducted himself, and the way his team hinged on every word when he opened his mouth. The way my brother spoke of him, Coach Sennett seemed like a God to me.
When I finally had the opportunity to play for Coach, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. The first two things that grabbed my attention were his dynamic personality and his ability to cut to the core of you and know what makes you tick. During the morning workouts his words were so inspirational and meaningful. He spoke about character, integrity, and perseverance. Character is who you are when nobody is looking. Always finish through the line. Champions are made when the stands are empty. Next play. Count on me. And a personal favorite: "grow some hair on your sack and get to the 5 x 5."
When I fractured a vertebrate during an indoor practice my junior year, I became very depressed and thought I would never play again. He was the first person (and pretty much the only person) to tell me it was up to me if I play again or not, we talked about his injuries and his recovery. After speaking to him I felt the best I had since the injury, he gave me the hope I needed to get through the greif.
About a month ago I hesistated to tell him how much he has done for my life, and right now that memory is making this process so much harder. I guess our best learning is done through making mistakes. I hope that his wishes are fufilled and he continues to touch people's lives beyond the grave.
My best wishes to the Sennett and De Smet Lacrosse Family
Ryan Edmundowicz 2007
When I finally had the opportunity to play for Coach, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. The first two things that grabbed my attention were his dynamic personality and his ability to cut to the core of you and know what makes you tick. During the morning workouts his words were so inspirational and meaningful. He spoke about character, integrity, and perseverance. Character is who you are when nobody is looking. Always finish through the line. Champions are made when the stands are empty. Next play. Count on me. And a personal favorite: "grow some hair on your sack and get to the 5 x 5."
When I fractured a vertebrate during an indoor practice my junior year, I became very depressed and thought I would never play again. He was the first person (and pretty much the only person) to tell me it was up to me if I play again or not, we talked about his injuries and his recovery. After speaking to him I felt the best I had since the injury, he gave me the hope I needed to get through the greif.
About a month ago I hesistated to tell him how much he has done for my life, and right now that memory is making this process so much harder. I guess our best learning is done through making mistakes. I hope that his wishes are fufilled and he continues to touch people's lives beyond the grave.
My best wishes to the Sennett and De Smet Lacrosse Family
Ryan Edmundowicz 2007
Solid Character
I wasn't as honored as some to know Mike very well or very long, but even in my limited exposure I gained an appreciation for his character, wit and charm. Mike was my "insurance guy" back in the early 90's when I lived in St. Louis, and I eagerly introduced him to others because he was an honest and genuine person. I trusted Mike even without knowing him well. He had a presence, a charisma. He was able, without trying, to make you feel important, responsible. He was sharp and respectful, but gave guidance on insurance matters while looking you in the eye and giving you respect.
I would imagine, having read some of the previous blogs, that this is how he made others feel, especially his student athletes. It is important to have known and to remember people like that. We meet them so infrequently in life.
God bless his family, those he loved and his children in this time of grief. My prayers will be with you.
I would imagine, having read some of the previous blogs, that this is how he made others feel, especially his student athletes. It is important to have known and to remember people like that. We meet them so infrequently in life.
God bless his family, those he loved and his children in this time of grief. My prayers will be with you.
Remembering coach
I was part of the first DeSmet lacrosse team. It would have been hard to imagine back in '92 that he would build the program into what it became, both at DeSmet and in the St. Louis area. I haven't played lacrosse since high school (most of us on that inaugural team signed up more out of curiousity, or to try something new, than because we were great athletes), but I will never forget those two years. Coach Sennett brought a drive and an intensity that would lead to the program's success, but he also respected us all, and coached positively. I was stunned and saddened to learn of his death. Prayers and condolences to all those he left behind.
Tom Rutkowski (#8), class of '93
Tom Rutkowski (#8), class of '93
Smiling Mike!
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING FOUR-YEARS WITH MIKE AT BROTHER RICE HIGH SCHOOL. MIKE AND I GRADUATED TOGETHER IN 1987. WE HAD MANY CLASSES TOGETHER AND SAT SIDE BY SIDE IN MANY CLASSES AS WELL. NO MATTER WHAT DAY IT WAS OR WHAT THE WEATER WAS LIKE, MIKE ALWAYS WAS SMILING. "STEEL" AS A FEW OF US CALLED HIM WAS ALL SMILES COME LACROSSE SEASON.
IT WAS NOT A COMPLETE WEEK UNLESS MIKE AND I THREW A COUPLE SHOULDERS AT EACH OTHER WHILE WE LAUGHED AND PASSED EACH OTHER IN THE HALLWAYS
EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT STAY IN MUCH CONTACT OVER THE YEARS, "STEEL" WAS ONE OF THOSE GUYS YOU COULD ALWAYS SAY GOOD THINGS ABOUT. A CONSUMATE GENTLEMEN WHO PASSED AWAY WAY TOO YOUNG.
MAY GOD BLESS MIKE AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY.
KEVIN DENHA 87
IT WAS NOT A COMPLETE WEEK UNLESS MIKE AND I THREW A COUPLE SHOULDERS AT EACH OTHER WHILE WE LAUGHED AND PASSED EACH OTHER IN THE HALLWAYS
EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT STAY IN MUCH CONTACT OVER THE YEARS, "STEEL" WAS ONE OF THOSE GUYS YOU COULD ALWAYS SAY GOOD THINGS ABOUT. A CONSUMATE GENTLEMEN WHO PASSED AWAY WAY TOO YOUNG.
MAY GOD BLESS MIKE AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY.
KEVIN DENHA 87
Respect
Mike Sennett will be sorely missed. Having the pleasure of coaching Lacrosse in St. Louis for the last 9 years I have gotten a chance to get to know him as a coach and a man. The one thing that comes to mind for me when I think about him is the utmost respect I have for him and his legacy. There will never be another like him and his memory will always be a part of Lacrosse in St. Louis. He was a role model for players and coaches alike. He has truly touched the hearts and souls of everyone who is involved in St. Louis Lacrosse. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his staff, his many friends, and his team. Mike you will never be forgotten!
Jim Devoto
Lindbergh Lacrosse
Jim Devoto
Lindbergh Lacrosse
The Man Who Thinks He Can
I grew up in Michigan with Mike. Our families had known each other for a long time. My dad and Mike's dad went to grade school together, and had remained friends over the years. His dad actually taught me a Junior Achievement class in grade school. He took our class to his steel company to see how to run a business. His company was called Sennett Steel, so know you can see how Mike got the nickname.
We got to know each other during Mike's first year at Brother Rice. I was a year ahead, and was pretty good friends with his neighbor, John. Through John and Lacrosse, Mike and I became teammates and better friends.
Steel was just that...the iron man in the middle. He wasn't the best athlete on the team. He wasn't the best attackman on the team. He just thought he could be. That's the reason for my caption, and it really reflected Steel's persona:
"Life's battles don't always go to the faster or stronger man, but to the man who thinks he can."
It was one of our team motto's while we were at Rice, and I think Mike took it completely on board. Steel was an integral part of Rice's first Michigan State High School Lacrosse Championship team in 1986. If you ever saw him play or watched him run, it was like a duck running to the water - not fast, not graceful, but got the job done.
I went to a prep school for a year while I was deciding where to go to college. If Notre Dame would have accepted me, we would have been classmates and teammates at ND. I wish I would have had the opportunity. It would have been a blast.
I am going to repeat this from Lombo's addition to the blog because I think it bears repeating:
"Things come up and there never seems to be enough time. Family comes first. It is hard to get away when you have a wife and three kids. There is always next month or the next time. But sometimes there is no next time. I will regret that I never got to see him one more time and hear his stupid jokes. You have to see the ones you love, even if only for an hour or two. Make time. Never pass up a time to spend time with the good people you know and love."
For the for the guys Mike coached - you got to play for one of the best. Stay in touch with your teammates and friends - whether it's just an email, a phone call, a text, or stopping by to say 'hello'...do it, because you'll never know when you won't be able to do it again. The friendships you make while you are 'warriors' on the field will be the friends that you'll take to battle, and will be with you for the rest of you lives.
Steel - God Bless. See you when we get there.
Smurf
We got to know each other during Mike's first year at Brother Rice. I was a year ahead, and was pretty good friends with his neighbor, John. Through John and Lacrosse, Mike and I became teammates and better friends.
Steel was just that...the iron man in the middle. He wasn't the best athlete on the team. He wasn't the best attackman on the team. He just thought he could be. That's the reason for my caption, and it really reflected Steel's persona:
"Life's battles don't always go to the faster or stronger man, but to the man who thinks he can."
It was one of our team motto's while we were at Rice, and I think Mike took it completely on board. Steel was an integral part of Rice's first Michigan State High School Lacrosse Championship team in 1986. If you ever saw him play or watched him run, it was like a duck running to the water - not fast, not graceful, but got the job done.
I went to a prep school for a year while I was deciding where to go to college. If Notre Dame would have accepted me, we would have been classmates and teammates at ND. I wish I would have had the opportunity. It would have been a blast.
I am going to repeat this from Lombo's addition to the blog because I think it bears repeating:
"Things come up and there never seems to be enough time. Family comes first. It is hard to get away when you have a wife and three kids. There is always next month or the next time. But sometimes there is no next time. I will regret that I never got to see him one more time and hear his stupid jokes. You have to see the ones you love, even if only for an hour or two. Make time. Never pass up a time to spend time with the good people you know and love."
For the for the guys Mike coached - you got to play for one of the best. Stay in touch with your teammates and friends - whether it's just an email, a phone call, a text, or stopping by to say 'hello'...do it, because you'll never know when you won't be able to do it again. The friendships you make while you are 'warriors' on the field will be the friends that you'll take to battle, and will be with you for the rest of you lives.
Steel - God Bless. See you when we get there.
Smurf
A Man of Steel, A Man of Love
Mike was my coach for 2 years and what a wonderful time it was. I was immediately impressed with his demeanor; he was a coach that had one goal, to create better men. He was a great lacrosse coach with worlds of knowledge about the game that he loved and we all came to enjoy. He was also one of the best teachers I have ever had in respects to life. He taught us to find our limit and embrace our fears so as to better ourselves and our brothers on the team. Playing for him was an adventure where you could see the team actually growing as lacrosse players and as a group of young men. He has had a remarkable influence on my life and I embrace the time that I had with him, as a coach and a friend. Mike, you were a coach, a friend, and a man of integrity. You have inspired everyone you have met and you will be missed. Farewell coach.
1-2-3 "Count on Me"
Connor Ireland '06
1-2-3 "Count on Me"
Connor Ireland '06
The Best, Bar None
Coach you where the best. I have never met a person who can have such a powerful influence in so many peoples lives. I can think of many times which you gave me something to think about. The lessons I learned on and off the field, either directly from you or indirectly through something you taught one of my friends, I am grateful. I have embodied a "Commitment to Excellence" in my life by focusing on fundamentals and over coming adversity. These core values affect my life everyday and I will never forget you for these sort of reasons. Coach, you evoke many emotions in me all of which I can not describe, but as you very well know I wear my on my sleeve. Those emotions are born in my values helping me better realize who I am in this world. I will remember you for helping to mold me into the man I am today and I will share my life with others to help pass on your legacy.
Love Always Your Friend and Student,
Jack Martinez
Love Always Your Friend and Student,
Jack Martinez
1986 Brother Rice Lacrosse Team - Michigan State Champions
Click on it to make it bigger - Mike is sandwiched between the guy in grey and the guy in greenFront Row: John Lombardi '86, Mike Kennedy '86, Chris Cote' '86, Charlie Brennan '88
2nd Row: Paul McKeon '87, Tom Roche '86, Paul Connolly '86, Steve McNulty '87, Mike Sennett '87, Kevin Monohan '86, Tom Barnds '86
3rd Row: Dave Thewes '88, Mike Moss '86, Kevin Tishkowski '86,
4th Row: Coach Ron Hebert, Mike Ferguson '88, Nick Shevillo '88, Scott Beer '87, Joe Laurencelle '86, Joe Kelly '88, Kord Kutchins '86
god bless
i am so fortunate to have so many wonderful memories that were made with mike being a central figure. i have always enjoyed and tried to surround myself with people who exude passion in their life, people that are driven by that passion. mike sennett was and is a passionate being. mike's vocation was so intertwined that his profesional,personal and recreational lives were one in the same.mike handled my companies accounts like no other could or would, he exhibited the same qualities behind a desk that he did on the field or in my home at the various parties he attended(i have never been able to look at a taco tray without thing of him.
i have two memories i would like to share, when my dear friend tom canty returned from vail colo. to report about the great vail lacrosse shootout, we instantly knew that the st. louis area could field a team that would prove to be competitive, we also knew that our coaching staff had to include mike sennett! so we arranged to have eddie condon, mike sennett and chris goudy coach this all star team from st. louis, as those who played on the team that became known as "team gateway".well we had kids from many different highschools that made that team over the six years that we ran the team. tom and i would often comment that the same event took place every year without fail.mike would come to the field, have a catch, and size up the situation, eddie would have mike work the offence and after about the third practice of working with sennett these kids would come to tom or me and say, "wow it's no wonder desmet is so good, now i understand, what a coach, or "i've learned more at vail practice than i did in all my years playing." mike had an ability to have the lessons of the athletic field, the concept of the game, and the behavior of responsibilty,all with christ in us, and with a great sense of humor i might add. our young players all saw this metamorphis as our teams came together, we would always have one unknown player step up at vail every year and make a difference, mike would always smile and say "i knew he could do it" it has been such a gift to read these passages on this blog, many of the writers were vail team members and i'm sure they know what i'm talking about and must add that eddie and chris where the balance that made the whole thing work with tom and i behind the scenes,we where a team too and we have lost our m.v.p.
to those that will understand this, the red lion at vail village was the place that we as a staff could unwind and blow off alittle steam, the place was chuck full of lacroses coaches and players and our friend phil long the owner would play key board and guitar and we would all sing along, song books in hand. mike was the designated picker of the songs to be played and sung to. mike would end up sitting in the front row and debate with phil the reasons a particular song was the one he should play next. it was all great fun and mike would sing his heart out, i always wondered how he could sing so loud with dip and beer in his mouth at the same time.we were all there side by side and all was right with the world.
i called phil long today, told him of our loss and asked that the next time he plays would he give mike alittle "pure prairie league"!! i'm sure the place will rock.
god bless my friend you will live on through all of us
thanks for all you did and do to this day and on
love,
phil hunt
i have two memories i would like to share, when my dear friend tom canty returned from vail colo. to report about the great vail lacrosse shootout, we instantly knew that the st. louis area could field a team that would prove to be competitive, we also knew that our coaching staff had to include mike sennett! so we arranged to have eddie condon, mike sennett and chris goudy coach this all star team from st. louis, as those who played on the team that became known as "team gateway".well we had kids from many different highschools that made that team over the six years that we ran the team. tom and i would often comment that the same event took place every year without fail.mike would come to the field, have a catch, and size up the situation, eddie would have mike work the offence and after about the third practice of working with sennett these kids would come to tom or me and say, "wow it's no wonder desmet is so good, now i understand, what a coach, or "i've learned more at vail practice than i did in all my years playing." mike had an ability to have the lessons of the athletic field, the concept of the game, and the behavior of responsibilty,all with christ in us, and with a great sense of humor i might add. our young players all saw this metamorphis as our teams came together, we would always have one unknown player step up at vail every year and make a difference, mike would always smile and say "i knew he could do it" it has been such a gift to read these passages on this blog, many of the writers were vail team members and i'm sure they know what i'm talking about and must add that eddie and chris where the balance that made the whole thing work with tom and i behind the scenes,we where a team too and we have lost our m.v.p.
to those that will understand this, the red lion at vail village was the place that we as a staff could unwind and blow off alittle steam, the place was chuck full of lacroses coaches and players and our friend phil long the owner would play key board and guitar and we would all sing along, song books in hand. mike was the designated picker of the songs to be played and sung to. mike would end up sitting in the front row and debate with phil the reasons a particular song was the one he should play next. it was all great fun and mike would sing his heart out, i always wondered how he could sing so loud with dip and beer in his mouth at the same time.we were all there side by side and all was right with the world.
i called phil long today, told him of our loss and asked that the next time he plays would he give mike alittle "pure prairie league"!! i'm sure the place will rock.
god bless my friend you will live on through all of us
thanks for all you did and do to this day and on
love,
phil hunt
Coach
I would like to thank Mike for everything that he has given to me. I have learned so much from this man, that I can't even begin to put it all into words. I will truly miss Coach Mike Sennett. DeSmet Lacrosse has given me a sense of pride that I will keep with me for the rest of my time. Thanks Coach!
Matt Kleine 1996
Matt Kleine 1996
His Legacy....
Like so many others that have posted, I am heartbroken to have heard the news. It brings tears to my eyes to read these messages. It seems that I was not the only one that had the ultimate connection with Coach. He demanded perfection every day, and with that he earned everyone’s respect. Mike had such a large impact on my family including coaching my older and younger brothers, working with my mom and dad on the foundation and making sure to remember my wife’s name every time we saw him. Mike’s legacy will live on forever in the lacrosse community. There will not be a season that passes that we aren’t talking about the good old days with Coach.
Eric Montgomery '95
Eric Montgomery '95
Lowell Court
I lived down the street from Mike back in High School and the first time I remember him was when we went to agility drills my sophomore year. I had recently moved to Michigan from NY and did not have my driver's lic. yet. I hitched a ride from his dad (I think) and Mike was in the back seat all crabby and cranky. He looked so tiny back there as a freshman. I think he may have had his pillow with him. It was something like 5am and we were on our way to getting whipped into shape by Coach Fracassa. He did not look happy and did not say a word to me. I knew he played lacrosse (I was trying to make the varsity and he was on the JV team - so we did not interact at that point yet) and that is where it all started. 24 years later he is gone, but still probably pretty cranky. He was his own man. He never did anything to conform or be cool. He was not a slave to fashion or fad. Being a trend setter is not how I will remember him. He was as solid as his nickname - Steel. He would never turn his back on you. There are friends and there is Mike. I do not think I have ever met someone so comfortable in their own skin. He lived his life like Popeye - I am what I am.
I played with him, against him and wish I could have been 16 playing for him. I used to hang out at his house, watching TV, ordering Little Ceasars, watching him string my stick and just loving it. He had this stringing kit that rivaled any I have ever seen. I visited him at ND a couple of times and never saw enough of him. The stories I could tell about those visits border on the ridiculous.
I have this picture of him and me and his mom. It was taken after a game, in opposing uniforms, both smiling, Mike not as much as the other two. If you look down at my hand there is a brown gift bag of cookies from his mom. Two strapping lacrosse players, decked out in our gear, his wonderful mom and a bag of cookies, wrapped in tissue paper. How quaint. That is how I will always remember him. Lacrosse, family and food. I have another picture - it is me, Mike, Jon Dale and Joe Laurencelle. It was taken after some post collegiate tourney in Detroit and both Mike and Joe are gone.
Mike, Joe and I got busted once for shooting bottle rockets and throwing firecrackers out of a car. It was Sennett's fault of course. We had been shooting rockets at a Seaholm party and they chased us. Laurencelle managed to escape. Later we drove by in a different car and picked up a tail and Mike threw a brick of black cats out the window to chase them off, thinking it was the Seaholm kids. It was an undercover police car. I think the drawn gun was overkill on the cop's part, but down to the station we went. We sat in a holding cell as the cops tried to scare us straight. Both Mike and Joe had older brothers, so they got off easy. I got grounded for a long time. It still ticks me off that I got nailed and they got off scot free.
He used to drive his lawn tractor down to my house for stuff before he got his license. He could be such a goof ball. Then he got that black bronco and would ram it backwards onto the snow banks at school. It's backside would be three feet off the ground at a 45 degree angle. I am still surprised the school never said anything to him about it. That ended when he got stuck and it took a dozen guys to lift him off. 10 years later I bought a green one, because I feel in love with Mike's.
And that is ultimately what Mike was all about. You loved everything about him. You loved him as a brother. You loved his personality. his sense of humor. You loved him as a lacrosse player. You loved his family. You loved his intensity. You loved him as a friend, mentor, coach, wiseass, and insurance guy. I admired him for who he was and what he did. I leaned on him for advice on a whole range of things, be it insurance, parenting, lacrosse, coaching. I was proud of him for his lacrosse coaching accomplishments. I was proud that he was Captian of his college team. I wanted to come down for his induction into the Lax Hall of Fame. I tried to talk him into coming to Green Bay with Kazyak and Joe Love and Tom Allen for the Packer-Lions game in 2006, but he could not get free. Things come up and there never seems to be enough time. Family comes first. It is hard to get away when you have a wife and three kids. There is always next month or the next time. But sometimes there is no next time. I will regret that I never got to see him one more time and hear his stupid jokes. You have to see the ones you love, even if only for an hour or two. Make time. Never pass up a time to spend time with the good people you know and love. I could go on forever. Just pray for Mike and his family. It is what he would want us to do.
As Mike used to say to me at the end of all our phone calls - Peace. Peace to you Mike.
Lombardi
I played with him, against him and wish I could have been 16 playing for him. I used to hang out at his house, watching TV, ordering Little Ceasars, watching him string my stick and just loving it. He had this stringing kit that rivaled any I have ever seen. I visited him at ND a couple of times and never saw enough of him. The stories I could tell about those visits border on the ridiculous.
I have this picture of him and me and his mom. It was taken after a game, in opposing uniforms, both smiling, Mike not as much as the other two. If you look down at my hand there is a brown gift bag of cookies from his mom. Two strapping lacrosse players, decked out in our gear, his wonderful mom and a bag of cookies, wrapped in tissue paper. How quaint. That is how I will always remember him. Lacrosse, family and food. I have another picture - it is me, Mike, Jon Dale and Joe Laurencelle. It was taken after some post collegiate tourney in Detroit and both Mike and Joe are gone.
Mike, Joe and I got busted once for shooting bottle rockets and throwing firecrackers out of a car. It was Sennett's fault of course. We had been shooting rockets at a Seaholm party and they chased us. Laurencelle managed to escape. Later we drove by in a different car and picked up a tail and Mike threw a brick of black cats out the window to chase them off, thinking it was the Seaholm kids. It was an undercover police car. I think the drawn gun was overkill on the cop's part, but down to the station we went. We sat in a holding cell as the cops tried to scare us straight. Both Mike and Joe had older brothers, so they got off easy. I got grounded for a long time. It still ticks me off that I got nailed and they got off scot free.
He used to drive his lawn tractor down to my house for stuff before he got his license. He could be such a goof ball. Then he got that black bronco and would ram it backwards onto the snow banks at school. It's backside would be three feet off the ground at a 45 degree angle. I am still surprised the school never said anything to him about it. That ended when he got stuck and it took a dozen guys to lift him off. 10 years later I bought a green one, because I feel in love with Mike's.
And that is ultimately what Mike was all about. You loved everything about him. You loved him as a brother. You loved his personality. his sense of humor. You loved him as a lacrosse player. You loved his family. You loved his intensity. You loved him as a friend, mentor, coach, wiseass, and insurance guy. I admired him for who he was and what he did. I leaned on him for advice on a whole range of things, be it insurance, parenting, lacrosse, coaching. I was proud of him for his lacrosse coaching accomplishments. I was proud that he was Captian of his college team. I wanted to come down for his induction into the Lax Hall of Fame. I tried to talk him into coming to Green Bay with Kazyak and Joe Love and Tom Allen for the Packer-Lions game in 2006, but he could not get free. Things come up and there never seems to be enough time. Family comes first. It is hard to get away when you have a wife and three kids. There is always next month or the next time. But sometimes there is no next time. I will regret that I never got to see him one more time and hear his stupid jokes. You have to see the ones you love, even if only for an hour or two. Make time. Never pass up a time to spend time with the good people you know and love. I could go on forever. Just pray for Mike and his family. It is what he would want us to do.
As Mike used to say to me at the end of all our phone calls - Peace. Peace to you Mike.
Lombardi
“…Neither the Right nor the Ability…”
I am a wreck after reading all of these accounts. I am not much of a writer so I will keep this short. And add a picture, as they say… its worth a thousand words.
I have known Mike Sennett my entire lacrosse career. From my first day of tryouts, to our last conversation about our upcoming game, he has always been there. I have feared, respected, hated, admired and loved this man. He was an inspiration to us all in our own special way. I think that is what is most fascinating about him, everyone has a similar story, yet they are all so unique. He had a way of touching lives and he touched mine. When I look down the sideline on Saturday it will be the first time in 15 years that I don’t have my COACH looking back.
Ron Kelam Jr.
State Champion Class of 1996 #19
DeSmet Freshmen 1997-1999
Parkway South Varsity 2000-2003
SLUH Varsity 2004-2007
Thanks for the Memories
It's difficult to imagine something like this happening to someone that has walked with near immortal status in my mind for so long. Coach Sennett had a presence about him that is indescribable. He always carried himself in a way that made it very clear when he entered the room. He was always the guy that everyone wanted to talk to. He had a very special way of making you feel important when you were talking to him. He commanded the respect of an audience like no one else I have ever met. He spoke with such attention to detail that every word was significant and precise. In fact, everything he did in his life was precise. The man must have had his hair cut twice a week to keep it at an exact 1/2 inch length. He wore the same white Nike high-tops to practice everyday. He was meticulous, as he would say, “to a fault.” We ran the same 'short bus' EMO play for three consecutive years. He didn't care that everyone knew what we were doing. As long as it was executed properly it worked. Not to mention he was skeptical that we could learn more than one play. No matter what kind of talent he had on the field, the confidence he gave his players to succeed could not be overcome.
His speeches and motivation were legendary. I clearly remember the talk he gave the team before the '99 State Championship game. It had nothing to do with strategy or hustle, but was a simple reminder to us about what it meant to be a part of the Tradition that is DeSmet Lacrosse. A reminder about everyone that had sacrificed to allow us to get to where we were. It truly was the most inspirational speech I have ever heard. He wasn't afraid, however, to make his point in a more colorful manner when needed. He always had affection for the words "hold 'em by the nose, and kick 'em in the ass." I've never actually seen anyone do that, but there was always the fear that he might do it to you if things went wrong. I truly miss hearing him speak. He always left you pondering what you could possibly be doing better with your life, and let you know that you could achieve it.
I miss the days of running ‘rips’ and ‘bumps’ at Vo-Tech until we couldn't take any more, and then doing one more because he knew we could. I would probably still collapse at the finish just to hear him yell “get up” or “leg it out” one more time. I miss his catch phrases and one-liners. I remember the first time I got the ‘savvy & poise’ speech. I didn’t understand exactly what the words meant, but I knew what he was talking about. He just had a special way of relating to people and getting his point across.
Coach Sennett loved his players, and made it well known that DeSmet Lacrosse was his family. Everything that happened in his family stayed there. He built a family so strong that nothing will ever bring it down and his coaching days are far from over. The life lessons he taught us will be passed on forever. ‘Commitment to Excellence’ and ‘Count on Me’ became much more than words after you played for Coach. He forced every player to achieve things beyond what they themselves believed, and made each and every player accountable for their own actions.
I never got to thank Coach Sennett for everything he did for me, but it’s not because I didn’t try. A few years ago he and I went to the park near his house to take a few shots. As we were walking back I started to say thank you to him for helping me grow up; before I could even finish he said “love ya too brother.” He understood what he meant to me, and didn’t need any thanks. I'm not sure where I would be today had I not known Coach Sennett. He always led me in the right direction without fail. Coach, you will be sorely missed, but the gifts that you have given me can never be taken away. Thanks for everything you have ever done and every sacrifice you made to make me a better person.
Love,
Wally
Andrew Huelskoetter '00
His speeches and motivation were legendary. I clearly remember the talk he gave the team before the '99 State Championship game. It had nothing to do with strategy or hustle, but was a simple reminder to us about what it meant to be a part of the Tradition that is DeSmet Lacrosse. A reminder about everyone that had sacrificed to allow us to get to where we were. It truly was the most inspirational speech I have ever heard. He wasn't afraid, however, to make his point in a more colorful manner when needed. He always had affection for the words "hold 'em by the nose, and kick 'em in the ass." I've never actually seen anyone do that, but there was always the fear that he might do it to you if things went wrong. I truly miss hearing him speak. He always left you pondering what you could possibly be doing better with your life, and let you know that you could achieve it.
I miss the days of running ‘rips’ and ‘bumps’ at Vo-Tech until we couldn't take any more, and then doing one more because he knew we could. I would probably still collapse at the finish just to hear him yell “get up” or “leg it out” one more time. I miss his catch phrases and one-liners. I remember the first time I got the ‘savvy & poise’ speech. I didn’t understand exactly what the words meant, but I knew what he was talking about. He just had a special way of relating to people and getting his point across.
Coach Sennett loved his players, and made it well known that DeSmet Lacrosse was his family. Everything that happened in his family stayed there. He built a family so strong that nothing will ever bring it down and his coaching days are far from over. The life lessons he taught us will be passed on forever. ‘Commitment to Excellence’ and ‘Count on Me’ became much more than words after you played for Coach. He forced every player to achieve things beyond what they themselves believed, and made each and every player accountable for their own actions.
I never got to thank Coach Sennett for everything he did for me, but it’s not because I didn’t try. A few years ago he and I went to the park near his house to take a few shots. As we were walking back I started to say thank you to him for helping me grow up; before I could even finish he said “love ya too brother.” He understood what he meant to me, and didn’t need any thanks. I'm not sure where I would be today had I not known Coach Sennett. He always led me in the right direction without fail. Coach, you will be sorely missed, but the gifts that you have given me can never be taken away. Thanks for everything you have ever done and every sacrifice you made to make me a better person.
Love,
Wally
Andrew Huelskoetter '00
Everything that has been said so far is a true testament to how much of an impact Coach Sennett had on all of our lives. My favorite quote of his was "Don't mistake activity for acheivement." That has really stuck with me, and he couldn't be more right. He instilled in me that everytime I stepped onto the field, I should be working to get better. I had never practiced like that before.
Even though I only played varsity my senior year, I feel like Sennett treated me the same as everyone else. I would return as an alumnus and attend games, only to be greeted after the game with a hug and a question about how Mizzou is. I don't know how he kept track of everyone like that, but he always seemed to.
Coach: Thank you for helping me realize how talented I truly was, and how talented I could be (both in the sport and in life).
Matt Schaller #21
Class of 2003
Even though I only played varsity my senior year, I feel like Sennett treated me the same as everyone else. I would return as an alumnus and attend games, only to be greeted after the game with a hug and a question about how Mizzou is. I don't know how he kept track of everyone like that, but he always seemed to.
Coach: Thank you for helping me realize how talented I truly was, and how talented I could be (both in the sport and in life).
Matt Schaller #21
Class of 2003
Monday, April 30, 2007
Words can't describe...
I remember the very first day that Coach spoke to me. I was watching my brother Chris play in his first year at school. I went over to the sidelines and asked Chris if I could borrow a stick so that I could help shag balls during the game, he did not have one, but Coach gave me his stick and told me to take good care of it. I took it and walked with pride to the endline, I remember how cool I felt standing on the endline, not a ball went past me that I didn't chase down in seconds. The only problem was that I had no idea how to work the stick that I had in my hands. When the game was over (I'm pretty sure we lost) Mike had one of his famous "postgame chats" with the players. As they were walking off of the field he approached me, to be completely honest he scared the crap out of me, and said "so do you want to learn how to use that thing or are you just going to hold onto it?" So right there, even though he wasn't in the best of moods, he taught me an easy way to catch and throw the ball.
As I grew older we spoke everyday before and after practice on what I could work on to make me a better player. He dedicated so much time to me shooting, and letting me practice my clears, even though he was tired, had a sore back, and just wanted to go home, he was always there for me. As we would walk off of the field more players would approach him for one-on-one help, and he NEVER left until everybody got the help that he needed.
About a year ago I was approached by a dad who wanted to start a high school team out here (Sacramento CA). He wanted me to be the first head coach in his club's history. I jumped at the oppportunity, I wanted to help put something together like Mike did for us. What he built at DeSmet is so special. Not only did he teach us the importance of playing lacrosse, but the importance of everything in our lives. He was a Coach, Spiritual leader/advisor, mentor, and more than anything a close close friend.
I stepped onto my practice field today and felt an empty place in my heart, I felt as though it was going to be hard to run a practice when my heart was broken. As I told my players what happened there was a sense that rushed through me to get the kids on the field and motivate them like he motivated me, I know that he was standing behind me with those old orange shorts, and tattered t-shirt helping me. I am truly going to miss my weekly conversations with him. We all lost someone very close to our hearts.
I urge all of you who read this blog to go out and root on those kids that are at DeSmet right now for they truly need us. I am praying for them to keep fighting, stay poised, and never give up!!!
Ben Goudy
Class of 1999
As I grew older we spoke everyday before and after practice on what I could work on to make me a better player. He dedicated so much time to me shooting, and letting me practice my clears, even though he was tired, had a sore back, and just wanted to go home, he was always there for me. As we would walk off of the field more players would approach him for one-on-one help, and he NEVER left until everybody got the help that he needed.
About a year ago I was approached by a dad who wanted to start a high school team out here (Sacramento CA). He wanted me to be the first head coach in his club's history. I jumped at the oppportunity, I wanted to help put something together like Mike did for us. What he built at DeSmet is so special. Not only did he teach us the importance of playing lacrosse, but the importance of everything in our lives. He was a Coach, Spiritual leader/advisor, mentor, and more than anything a close close friend.
I stepped onto my practice field today and felt an empty place in my heart, I felt as though it was going to be hard to run a practice when my heart was broken. As I told my players what happened there was a sense that rushed through me to get the kids on the field and motivate them like he motivated me, I know that he was standing behind me with those old orange shorts, and tattered t-shirt helping me. I am truly going to miss my weekly conversations with him. We all lost someone very close to our hearts.
I urge all of you who read this blog to go out and root on those kids that are at DeSmet right now for they truly need us. I am praying for them to keep fighting, stay poised, and never give up!!!
Ben Goudy
Class of 1999
Coach
It is amazing how it takes a tragedy to make you realize how someone has shaped your life. As I read all of the postings and reflect, it really hits me how influential coach was in my life. A good majority of my memories from high school center on playing lacrosse for Mike Sennett at DeSmet. Other high school friends have come and gone, but the ones I still cherish dearly and still see regularly are those I played lacrosse with. Mike Sennet was our mentor, our leader into battle, the person we looked up to, the person we admired, and the person who we desperately wanted to please. He made me love a game that I knew absolutely nothing about when I started. He demanded that we play together and would not settle for anything less. He made playing lacrosse for DeSmet mean something, and believe you me it means something. As a coach myself, you should see the instant respect you get when you tell one of the kids you played lacrosse for Mike Sennett at DeSmet. Mike Sennett will always be our coach and I will miss him dearly.
Kevin "Koz" Kozminske
DeSmet 1996
Kevin "Koz" Kozminske
DeSmet 1996
Mike's Legacy
Mike’s Legacy
I had the pleasure of working with Mike Sennett for three years as the President of the DeSmet Lacrosse Club. Those were special years. DeSmet won their first State Championship in 1996 and again in 1997.
I was speaking with one of the other lacrosse dads today, and we commented on how many young men were lucky enough to have been coached or taught by Mike Sennett either through the DeSmet program or with the Irish Lacrosse Camp or through other programs Mike was involved in. How many young men had the opportunity to go to college and play lacrosse because of this man? It is interesting reading the remarks and blogs of past players. It is evident that they have great respect for Mike and have grown into mature young adults. This is one of Mike’s legacies.
Mike Sennett was a leader. He lead his teams with enthusiasm and conviction. He taught the lacrosse players to reach inside themselves and to accomplish things they didn’t know they could. How he was able to work with these young men and mold them into a team was no less than outstanding. The players on those teams owe Mike a debt of gratitude for teaching them the ability to push themselves and be the best they can at whatever they choose to do with their lives.
Mike Winters
I had the pleasure of working with Mike Sennett for three years as the President of the DeSmet Lacrosse Club. Those were special years. DeSmet won their first State Championship in 1996 and again in 1997.
I was speaking with one of the other lacrosse dads today, and we commented on how many young men were lucky enough to have been coached or taught by Mike Sennett either through the DeSmet program or with the Irish Lacrosse Camp or through other programs Mike was involved in. How many young men had the opportunity to go to college and play lacrosse because of this man? It is interesting reading the remarks and blogs of past players. It is evident that they have great respect for Mike and have grown into mature young adults. This is one of Mike’s legacies.
Mike Sennett was a leader. He lead his teams with enthusiasm and conviction. He taught the lacrosse players to reach inside themselves and to accomplish things they didn’t know they could. How he was able to work with these young men and mold them into a team was no less than outstanding. The players on those teams owe Mike a debt of gratitude for teaching them the ability to push themselves and be the best they can at whatever they choose to do with their lives.
Mike Winters
Patience and Determination
As one of three brothers that played under Coach, we have shared many stories, but the stories I love to tell are those from the beginning.
Back in the early 90's rumors filled the halls that a new sport was going to try and start up at DeSmet...Lacrosse.
12-15 guys met to discuss playing a sport that most of us had never heard of, and would be led by some guy from Notre Dame. Most of us didn't know how to catch or throw and none of us knew how intense and hard it was going to be.
From the first time I met him, I saw a drive and willingness to succeed that I have never seen before. I remember thinking to myself, how does he come to every practice and every game pumped up and high on life with as bad as we were? We would get beat up day in and day out, and some how he found a bright spot in a practice drill or a certain play during a game that he said we could build on. Even though we would lose, he would make us feel like winners and drove us to play and practice even harder. He would stop a drill, and give a one on one lesson to someone if they were falling behind, even though it would slow up practice. As a natural born leader, coach demonstrated patience and determination that I will never forget.
As the years passed, I got to see both of my brothers play and win! Coach never gave up on us, and because of that I am grateful. He was a great man, coach and friend, but above all was a great human being that was put on this earth to teach us to be Men for Others.
You will be missed but not forgotten!
Marc Montgomery '94
Back in the early 90's rumors filled the halls that a new sport was going to try and start up at DeSmet...Lacrosse.
12-15 guys met to discuss playing a sport that most of us had never heard of, and would be led by some guy from Notre Dame. Most of us didn't know how to catch or throw and none of us knew how intense and hard it was going to be.
From the first time I met him, I saw a drive and willingness to succeed that I have never seen before. I remember thinking to myself, how does he come to every practice and every game pumped up and high on life with as bad as we were? We would get beat up day in and day out, and some how he found a bright spot in a practice drill or a certain play during a game that he said we could build on. Even though we would lose, he would make us feel like winners and drove us to play and practice even harder. He would stop a drill, and give a one on one lesson to someone if they were falling behind, even though it would slow up practice. As a natural born leader, coach demonstrated patience and determination that I will never forget.
As the years passed, I got to see both of my brothers play and win! Coach never gave up on us, and because of that I am grateful. He was a great man, coach and friend, but above all was a great human being that was put on this earth to teach us to be Men for Others.
You will be missed but not forgotten!
Marc Montgomery '94
Giving Back…
“How are your fingers?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well you haven’t called in a while, so I figured all your fingers were broken”.
It is hard to deal with the fact that we will not have any exchanges anymore and that hurts a lot more than any post practice sprints we ever did (Ohio State trip included)...I have not remained as close as I would have liked too but every time our paths would cross, no matter how long in between, it was as though nothing had changed, the way true friends are.
I will remember him riding us hard, day in and day out, and at the time thinking that this guy is nuts. It took some time to learn how to deal with him, and when you thought you had a good standing, he would knock you on your ass to let you know that he expected more from you. He never let any of us slide becouse he knew the importance of hard work, and he instilled that in all of us. He pushed all of us and made us all want to be better lacrosse players which in turn made us better people. He pushed us all to what we thought was our limit but he knew that he could get more. He saw in each one of us the potential to be and do so much more than lacrosse. And like many people have talked about, after you are done playing his teachings do not end and his love for all of us does not and will not go away.
I will remember that he was the one who pushed me to play in college, and only after he told me I could, did I think I had a chance. His words meant so much to me, but now in thinking back on it, it was his actions that have made the lasting memory for me.
I will remember that of all the lessons I learned from Steel, the one that has lived on with me the most, is the importance of giving back. Steel will always be known as the DeSmet lacrosse coach but as all of us have stated he is much more than that. We all benefited from having Steel in our lives and the best way to honor him is by continuing to give back. He spent so much of his time helping to build DeSmet Lacrosse, Missouri Lacrosse, and lacrosse in the Midwest. And in the process he built up a community of better people, who aspire to be anything close to the man that he was. So get out there and coach/mentor or help out with a team/group in your area, push your friends to be better people, be a better person in your relationships, but just make sure you are helping people. This is the same way he lived his life. Becouse as I have learned from Steel, by giving back you get so much more through the satisfaction of knowing your helping others.
Steel will never be forgotten and hopefully someday we will all have the opportunity to touch even a fraction of the amount of lives that he has touched in his much too short of time on earth. I will be unable to make it home for the services but make sure that we raise a glass in honor of Steel, continue to tell stories, and never stop giving back becouse that is the best tribute that we could give him. We always learned about being “Men for Others” at DeSmet and I don’t know of anyone who followed this more than Steel .
Thank you for giving me the confidence to try…
Thank you for giving me the confidence to fail…
Thank you for giving me the confidence to get back up and try again…
John Sanders ‘99
“What do you mean?”
“Well you haven’t called in a while, so I figured all your fingers were broken”.
It is hard to deal with the fact that we will not have any exchanges anymore and that hurts a lot more than any post practice sprints we ever did (Ohio State trip included)...I have not remained as close as I would have liked too but every time our paths would cross, no matter how long in between, it was as though nothing had changed, the way true friends are.
I will remember him riding us hard, day in and day out, and at the time thinking that this guy is nuts. It took some time to learn how to deal with him, and when you thought you had a good standing, he would knock you on your ass to let you know that he expected more from you. He never let any of us slide becouse he knew the importance of hard work, and he instilled that in all of us. He pushed all of us and made us all want to be better lacrosse players which in turn made us better people. He pushed us all to what we thought was our limit but he knew that he could get more. He saw in each one of us the potential to be and do so much more than lacrosse. And like many people have talked about, after you are done playing his teachings do not end and his love for all of us does not and will not go away.
I will remember that he was the one who pushed me to play in college, and only after he told me I could, did I think I had a chance. His words meant so much to me, but now in thinking back on it, it was his actions that have made the lasting memory for me.
I will remember that of all the lessons I learned from Steel, the one that has lived on with me the most, is the importance of giving back. Steel will always be known as the DeSmet lacrosse coach but as all of us have stated he is much more than that. We all benefited from having Steel in our lives and the best way to honor him is by continuing to give back. He spent so much of his time helping to build DeSmet Lacrosse, Missouri Lacrosse, and lacrosse in the Midwest. And in the process he built up a community of better people, who aspire to be anything close to the man that he was. So get out there and coach/mentor or help out with a team/group in your area, push your friends to be better people, be a better person in your relationships, but just make sure you are helping people. This is the same way he lived his life. Becouse as I have learned from Steel, by giving back you get so much more through the satisfaction of knowing your helping others.
Steel will never be forgotten and hopefully someday we will all have the opportunity to touch even a fraction of the amount of lives that he has touched in his much too short of time on earth. I will be unable to make it home for the services but make sure that we raise a glass in honor of Steel, continue to tell stories, and never stop giving back becouse that is the best tribute that we could give him. We always learned about being “Men for Others” at DeSmet and I don’t know of anyone who followed this more than Steel .
Thank you for giving me the confidence to try…
Thank you for giving me the confidence to fail…
Thank you for giving me the confidence to get back up and try again…
John Sanders ‘99
A Mountain of a Man
I never played under Steel, I only was a manager. I guess that turned out to be a blessing. I could see all the hard work he put into the team off the field, and all the other miscellaneous things only the coaching staff and managers saw.
One of those incidents was before the State Finals in 2005. We had a practice on the field to get ready for the game and Coach had every player sit back-to-back in pairs of two and close their eyes. As manager, I got to see Coach guide all the players on recalling their journey throughout the season. Coach Sennett used the analogy of climbing a mountain to recap the victories and struggles shared by the team throughout the year. This moment was one of my fondest memories of Coach, he ended the meditation, as Coach usually did, with a prayer.
I'll never forget Coach Sennett. I think it's easy for all of us to agree he truly was a mountain of a man. I think, for me personally, the best way to honor him is much like a Zen Saying: "When you get to the top of a mountain, keep climbing!" I think that Coach Sennett brought me to the top of a mountain in how he touched my life, and I know the best honor I could bestow to him is to keep climbing.
Thanks for everything Coach, I'll miss you.
Andy Bauer
One of those incidents was before the State Finals in 2005. We had a practice on the field to get ready for the game and Coach had every player sit back-to-back in pairs of two and close their eyes. As manager, I got to see Coach guide all the players on recalling their journey throughout the season. Coach Sennett used the analogy of climbing a mountain to recap the victories and struggles shared by the team throughout the year. This moment was one of my fondest memories of Coach, he ended the meditation, as Coach usually did, with a prayer.
I'll never forget Coach Sennett. I think it's easy for all of us to agree he truly was a mountain of a man. I think, for me personally, the best way to honor him is much like a Zen Saying: "When you get to the top of a mountain, keep climbing!" I think that Coach Sennett brought me to the top of a mountain in how he touched my life, and I know the best honor I could bestow to him is to keep climbing.
Thanks for everything Coach, I'll miss you.
Andy Bauer
"Suit up, and if you don't finish before the last man, you'll be running all practice!"
Wow, this is unreal. My friend and fellow teammate Trip Kelly called me from Puerto Rico with the news after his father had seen the report on the news. We just sat there in awe of the news that hit us like a rock. The sacrifces coach made for us were never fully realized till years later. I was looking forward to going to the DeSmet/Sluh game to see my coach and another teammate(a coach at Sluh) put their teams up against each other, and then to talk to Mike afterwards....that talk will now be on Wednesday, and will probably be the quietest talk the two of us will ever have. He was such a tremendous influence on my life.
I remember seeing him up at DeSmet a week after I shattered my ankle, which ended my lacrosse days, but not without a fight, I tried to play for him but after two surgeries it was not meant to be, but when he saw me in the cast my heart dropped, he paused, looked at me and said, "Burkie, you better be ready by the spring." I said I would, and we tried to make it work because I was part of his team and he knew what was about to happen that year as did I, seniors only get one chance to go out on top.
Mike pushed us to be the best we could and to grow both on the field and off. I was on his second team he ever coached at DeSmet and remember it like it was yesterday, especially the saturday morning practices we all hated and how few of us there were. Even in the winter down at the Armory, Mike was there to see how his kids were doing in the select league and was always there to give pointers to improve on little things. Coach sacrified so much for the lucky few that are all better men for knowing him and he will be missed dearly. We all love you coach and you will be missed but never, never forgotten. God Speed Steel, and shoot low, I heard God has a hole between his legs.
Geoff "Burkie" Burkemper
Class of 1996
I remember seeing him up at DeSmet a week after I shattered my ankle, which ended my lacrosse days, but not without a fight, I tried to play for him but after two surgeries it was not meant to be, but when he saw me in the cast my heart dropped, he paused, looked at me and said, "Burkie, you better be ready by the spring." I said I would, and we tried to make it work because I was part of his team and he knew what was about to happen that year as did I, seniors only get one chance to go out on top.
Mike pushed us to be the best we could and to grow both on the field and off. I was on his second team he ever coached at DeSmet and remember it like it was yesterday, especially the saturday morning practices we all hated and how few of us there were. Even in the winter down at the Armory, Mike was there to see how his kids were doing in the select league and was always there to give pointers to improve on little things. Coach sacrified so much for the lucky few that are all better men for knowing him and he will be missed dearly. We all love you coach and you will be missed but never, never forgotten. God Speed Steel, and shoot low, I heard God has a hole between his legs.
Geoff "Burkie" Burkemper
Class of 1996
Lessons in Character...
When I was a Junior, Coach sent myself and all of my teammates a letter while he was gone (I can't remember why he was, it was in the middle of the season) with a quote from Ronald Reagan titled "Lessons in Character." Below the quote, he wrote this:
"Fellas...There's no magic, just honesty. Honest Effort, Honest Commitment, Honest Communication, and Honest Love. In this we honor each other and those around us who shape us and uplift us. Know that I'm praying for you (individually) and as a group, daily. Know that I love you all, individually and as a group."
He then wrote me a little note after, and had this to say, "Keep giving more than you take."
I held on to that letter to this day (despite the fact that Steel had the worst handwriting I had ever seen). I wanted to remember these words for the rest of my life. I realized then and even more so now, Steel wasn't just a lacrosse coach, he is a coach in life. I stayed in touch with him as much as I could when I left St. Louis and always considered him to be my greatest mentor. I exchanged e-mails with him just a couple weeks ago, and he said, "Persevere and lead brother because that is what you were meant to do." While that still remains to be seen regarding my character, it certainly applies to him...he was meant to be one of the greatest men any of us had ever meant.
To the man who will always and forever be my coach, you will never be forgotten.
Mike Wilcox '04
"Fellas...There's no magic, just honesty. Honest Effort, Honest Commitment, Honest Communication, and Honest Love. In this we honor each other and those around us who shape us and uplift us. Know that I'm praying for you (individually) and as a group, daily. Know that I love you all, individually and as a group."
He then wrote me a little note after, and had this to say, "Keep giving more than you take."
I held on to that letter to this day (despite the fact that Steel had the worst handwriting I had ever seen). I wanted to remember these words for the rest of my life. I realized then and even more so now, Steel wasn't just a lacrosse coach, he is a coach in life. I stayed in touch with him as much as I could when I left St. Louis and always considered him to be my greatest mentor. I exchanged e-mails with him just a couple weeks ago, and he said, "Persevere and lead brother because that is what you were meant to do." While that still remains to be seen regarding my character, it certainly applies to him...he was meant to be one of the greatest men any of us had ever meant.
To the man who will always and forever be my coach, you will never be forgotten.
Mike Wilcox '04
To Coach
Coach,
I knew you only for three years. In that time, I came to know a man of great humility, incredible faith, and a knowledge of life I'll only strive for. My first year on the team I only knew you as Steel. I was only 5'5, 120 pounds at most and never gained much still to this day, as you know. I remember the first practice I showed up at. I was frightened and terrified when you hadn't said a word to me until the third day of practice. You came over and said, "Stephen, keep showing up and keep scrapping and you'll be on the team." I was so happy to hear you talk to me let alone get on the team. As the years went by, I only grew to admire you more. You are amongst the few men who truly had a profound influence on my character as an individual. You truly were meant to coach at DeSmet and I can't imagine DeSmet lacrosse without you. I'll miss you, the coaches will miss you, and all my teammates will miss you too.
One last yaeger call for old times sake mate.
Oooo oooo oooo.
Steve Ferris '04
I knew you only for three years. In that time, I came to know a man of great humility, incredible faith, and a knowledge of life I'll only strive for. My first year on the team I only knew you as Steel. I was only 5'5, 120 pounds at most and never gained much still to this day, as you know. I remember the first practice I showed up at. I was frightened and terrified when you hadn't said a word to me until the third day of practice. You came over and said, "Stephen, keep showing up and keep scrapping and you'll be on the team." I was so happy to hear you talk to me let alone get on the team. As the years went by, I only grew to admire you more. You are amongst the few men who truly had a profound influence on my character as an individual. You truly were meant to coach at DeSmet and I can't imagine DeSmet lacrosse without you. I'll miss you, the coaches will miss you, and all my teammates will miss you too.
One last yaeger call for old times sake mate.
Oooo oooo oooo.
Steve Ferris '04
Coach - You will be missed
As many of you may or may not know, I have had the unique pleasure of not only growing up around De Smet lacrosse, but also have had the unforgettable experience of being able to play for coach Sennett for three seasons. When I was a youngster, I thought coach was quite possibly the most intimidating man I had ever met, but even at the young age of 8 or 9 I could tell that there was something special about him. Not until I had the opportunity to play for him though, did I actually get a real sense of who he was. He was a great man who, outside of my immediate family, has been one of the most inspirational persons in my life. His passion for coaching was like nothing else I have ever encountered. Moreover, he truly loved and cared about each and every one of his players. He was more than a coach though. With his commanding presence, he was somebody who you could look up to or when something wasn’t going right you could always ask him for his advice. He was somebody you could always count on.
Something I will never forget is after losing the 2005 state championship game coach came up to me in the parking lot and gave me a great big hug. I was balling my eyes out at the time and not mention extremely sweaty and probably smelly. At that point, crying uncontrollably, I told coach I was sorry that we couldn’t win it for him and that I hadn’t played better. In response, coach looked me in the eyes and said something along the lines of: "you shouldn’t be sorry for anything because there are far more important things in life than winning or losing one game." He truly did care and I will never forget that.
Coach was an amazing man who will be sorely missed. I am truly a better person for having known him. Thanks for everything coach, you were the best.
Michael Patterson (’05)
Something I will never forget is after losing the 2005 state championship game coach came up to me in the parking lot and gave me a great big hug. I was balling my eyes out at the time and not mention extremely sweaty and probably smelly. At that point, crying uncontrollably, I told coach I was sorry that we couldn’t win it for him and that I hadn’t played better. In response, coach looked me in the eyes and said something along the lines of: "you shouldn’t be sorry for anything because there are far more important things in life than winning or losing one game." He truly did care and I will never forget that.
Coach was an amazing man who will be sorely missed. I am truly a better person for having known him. Thanks for everything coach, you were the best.
Michael Patterson (’05)
Use your LEFT KEVIN!
Coach Sennett was truly a Man for Others who was more than a coach but a Mentor to his players. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family, his current players, and the DeSmet Lacrosse Family. I am privileged that I got the chance to play for such a great man. You will be missed. "Count on Me!"
As I sit here and remember like it was yesterday when Coach Sennett day in and day out, season to season preparing us for the next challenge we faced as a team and those individual hurdles we each faced and had to conquer to truly become one true team; Coach wanted us to work hard and make us accountable for our strides to become best to our abilities to be one. And for this I am truly grateful for this lesson learned from Coach.
I remember during senior year and Coach was hungry to win another Championship, just after he won his first state title for DeSmet, he wanted another one and wanted us to give all he had and leave nothing to waste. It paid off when we captured a Second straight State Championship for Coach.
He was not only a coach to me but a true friend who would sit down with you and help you solve any problem or answer any question you had, he was truly a Man for Others.
He will be missed but his legacy will never be forgotten.
GodSpeed Coach....
Kevin Lord '97
As I sit here and remember like it was yesterday when Coach Sennett day in and day out, season to season preparing us for the next challenge we faced as a team and those individual hurdles we each faced and had to conquer to truly become one true team; Coach wanted us to work hard and make us accountable for our strides to become best to our abilities to be one. And for this I am truly grateful for this lesson learned from Coach.
I remember during senior year and Coach was hungry to win another Championship, just after he won his first state title for DeSmet, he wanted another one and wanted us to give all he had and leave nothing to waste. It paid off when we captured a Second straight State Championship for Coach.
He was not only a coach to me but a true friend who would sit down with you and help you solve any problem or answer any question you had, he was truly a Man for Others.
He will be missed but his legacy will never be forgotten.
GodSpeed Coach....
Kevin Lord '97
John Gatewood said...
Mike Sennett was a great guy, and he will be deeply missed. My son, Anthony, has taken Lacrosse lessons and it seems everyone who has coached him would always speak in "awe" of Mike Sennett.
I remember the first time I met Mike as I was assigned to train him as a new Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. I was impressed that he was eager to start a financial services career from scratch here in St. Louis, even though he was not from the area. Mike was always about "doing the right thing".
Mike then decided to take residence in Washington, Missouri, and served as a volunteer fireman while he continued to build his financial services business with Northwestern Mutual.
Lacrosse was always his passion. I then watched him take on the role as head coach of the DeSmet High School lacrosse team, and lead his team to six state championships.
While engaging in these life adventures, Mike was always there for his clients' needs. I had the privilege of working jointly with Mike to help some of his clients that had advanced business and estate planning needs. I was always impressed by both the sincere respect his "prospects" seemed to have for Mike. After each meeting Mike would emphasize how important it was that we take excellent care of each individual or business owner with whom we spoke.
Mike, you are a man of integrity and strength, and an inspiration to us all.
I know you are in heaven for the many good things you did in this world. Though your life was short, your positive impact will be long! You will be sorely missed but fondly remembered!
John Gatewood
I remember the first time I met Mike as I was assigned to train him as a new Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. I was impressed that he was eager to start a financial services career from scratch here in St. Louis, even though he was not from the area. Mike was always about "doing the right thing".
Mike then decided to take residence in Washington, Missouri, and served as a volunteer fireman while he continued to build his financial services business with Northwestern Mutual.
Lacrosse was always his passion. I then watched him take on the role as head coach of the DeSmet High School lacrosse team, and lead his team to six state championships.
While engaging in these life adventures, Mike was always there for his clients' needs. I had the privilege of working jointly with Mike to help some of his clients that had advanced business and estate planning needs. I was always impressed by both the sincere respect his "prospects" seemed to have for Mike. After each meeting Mike would emphasize how important it was that we take excellent care of each individual or business owner with whom we spoke.
Mike, you are a man of integrity and strength, and an inspiration to us all.
I know you are in heaven for the many good things you did in this world. Though your life was short, your positive impact will be long! You will be sorely missed but fondly remembered!
John Gatewood
An Open Letter
Mr. and Mrs. Sennett–
I wanted to share a piece of my soul with you in what must be the most trying time in your lives. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your suffering. I cannot make this situation better......and I cannot take away your pain --if I could, I would have already done so. Saying I’m sorry for your loss will not suffice.
Your son was my friend, he picked me up when I was down, he made me feel special - I will deeply miss him and I will always love him.
Mike had a way about him, he made you a better person, he radiated energy and enthusiasm. You wanted to be around the guy because he touched your soul, he couldn’t help himself. He took that gift and passed it around – he made a difference in this life.
I was there with Mike through many of his trials and many of his victories in these past years. He had a profound love of God in his heart and the desire and courage to share it. Mike touched more lives and accomplished more good in his 37 years then I hope to in a lifetime.
It was a privilege to have known him and an honor to have called him ‘friend’.
Know that I have physically bent my knees and asked Jesus to give you His peace, true peace --the peace that surpasses all understanding. I will be at his wake, I will be at his funeral and I will not let this period in my life pass without, in some small way, saying thank you for your son and my dear friend, Mike.
May God Bless you,
Jeffrey Salamon
Friend/Teammate
Notre Dame class of 90
I wanted to share a piece of my soul with you in what must be the most trying time in your lives. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your suffering. I cannot make this situation better......and I cannot take away your pain --if I could, I would have already done so. Saying I’m sorry for your loss will not suffice.
Your son was my friend, he picked me up when I was down, he made me feel special - I will deeply miss him and I will always love him.
Mike had a way about him, he made you a better person, he radiated energy and enthusiasm. You wanted to be around the guy because he touched your soul, he couldn’t help himself. He took that gift and passed it around – he made a difference in this life.
I was there with Mike through many of his trials and many of his victories in these past years. He had a profound love of God in his heart and the desire and courage to share it. Mike touched more lives and accomplished more good in his 37 years then I hope to in a lifetime.
It was a privilege to have known him and an honor to have called him ‘friend’.
Know that I have physically bent my knees and asked Jesus to give you His peace, true peace --the peace that surpasses all understanding. I will be at his wake, I will be at his funeral and I will not let this period in my life pass without, in some small way, saying thank you for your son and my dear friend, Mike.
May God Bless you,
Jeffrey Salamon
Friend/Teammate
Notre Dame class of 90
Thanks from a DeSmet Parent:
Mike Sennett treated my son like a parent would want a son treated. We were there in Culver this weekend and will cherish the precious time spent with Mike. In life you meet people who change you. Mike is such a person. His faith allows him to be with God now. His love for Amber allows her to know she was loved so much that he wanted to spend a lifetime with her. His coaches know they were friends who consoled others even in the midst of their own grief. As a parent, I know how close our club is and how much the boys admired Mike and what he stands for daily. As a parent, I know of no greater thanks than to share here, at DeSmet and with those who will carry on Mike's love for others, LAX, and Jesus. Bless you all. Dave Snively
Carry On
Words to live by and celebrate the man that meant so much too so many.
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on.
David Harkin
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on.
David Harkin
My Friend, My Brother...
Mike was one of only a couple of people beside my father that I really look up to. I use the present tense becuase he will live on in each of us. Each one of the hundreds of people that he had such a positive influence on. I am heartbroken that Mike has been taken from us. Now that I am no longer coaching, I wouldn't see Mike as much, but we spoke often.
Mike is one of the best people that I know. In fact, I told him several times that he should have been a priest. He would have made a very good priest. Of course, he would have been good at whatever he did.
It was a priveledge to know Mike. I also feel very fortunate to have told him a couple of times that I loved him and that he was my brother. That is something that comes with age. That is the ability to tell another man that you love them. I encourage each of you that played for Mike to learn that lesson. One never knows when it will be over. I am thrilled that I did tell Mike and the other people in my life that I love them. I hope that each of you will learn from this and tell your family and friends that you love them.
I remember how after try-outs he would be on the fence about a kid that Jeff and I wanted for JV and I would tell him that I thought the kid needed "a little seasoning." Mike would laugh histerically and take the kid anyway.
I also remember how we would be eating with a big group of people after some function and Mike would be grazing off of everyone elses plate. The man could really put the groceries away and for a while, showed it.
I can't even imagine the loss that his family is feeling. The thing that really breaks my heart is that he never got to have children. He would have been an amazing father. Just like he was to so many of his players. I am also saddened that my daughter will never get to know him.
I will miss him screaming at players or refs at games. I will miss the little things he would say to inspire kids or even and old, twisted man like myself. I will miss a giant of our sport. I am a better person for knowing him, like most of us. But mostly, I will miss my friend.
God Bless
Jeff Harrison
Mike is one of the best people that I know. In fact, I told him several times that he should have been a priest. He would have made a very good priest. Of course, he would have been good at whatever he did.
It was a priveledge to know Mike. I also feel very fortunate to have told him a couple of times that I loved him and that he was my brother. That is something that comes with age. That is the ability to tell another man that you love them. I encourage each of you that played for Mike to learn that lesson. One never knows when it will be over. I am thrilled that I did tell Mike and the other people in my life that I love them. I hope that each of you will learn from this and tell your family and friends that you love them.
I remember how after try-outs he would be on the fence about a kid that Jeff and I wanted for JV and I would tell him that I thought the kid needed "a little seasoning." Mike would laugh histerically and take the kid anyway.
I also remember how we would be eating with a big group of people after some function and Mike would be grazing off of everyone elses plate. The man could really put the groceries away and for a while, showed it.
I can't even imagine the loss that his family is feeling. The thing that really breaks my heart is that he never got to have children. He would have been an amazing father. Just like he was to so many of his players. I am also saddened that my daughter will never get to know him.
I will miss him screaming at players or refs at games. I will miss the little things he would say to inspire kids or even and old, twisted man like myself. I will miss a giant of our sport. I am a better person for knowing him, like most of us. But mostly, I will miss my friend.
God Bless
Jeff Harrison
Although I didn't know coach Sennett personally I have been a big fan of DeSmet lax for years. I attended DeSmet in the 80's and would have graduated in 1988. A family moved "back East" after sophomore year introduced me to lacrosse, which I played in high school and college and beyond. I have always kept up with DeSmet Lacrosse over the years and even caught a few games when the Spartans were in town. Ironically enough I am now an lacrosse official in Indiana. When a message came across that coach Sennett had passed at Culver, I immediately thought of the DeSmet family and the Sennett family. You see this loss transends the DeSmet lacrosse community, but reaches out across the country to everyone involved with not only DeSmet, but the game of lacrosse. It will be with a very heavy heart that I put on the stripes and step on the field tonight.
Godspeed Coach
Thomas Rademaker
Godspeed Coach
Thomas Rademaker
The loss of a brother
I had the honor of knowing Mike and was a housemate of his several years ago. When I heard the news, I could hardly believe it. While I never played lacrosse, Mike was still a coach to me in life. I am a volunteer firefighter, and Mike was on my department. Mike approached firefighting the same way he approached Lacrosse and his life. He believed nothing is worth doing unless you could do it well. Mike was an excellent firefighter and always gave 150%.
Mike is a brother firefighter still and always will be. I am honored to call him a friend and a coach as well. The memories haven't stopped since heard the news.
Mike had an office in our house. I can remember having the day off and would see Mike in his office. He was always in a clean and pressed dress shirt, tie, and dress pants. I always wondered why he would dress this way when he would literally walk down the hall from his bedroom and into his office. His work was always over the computer or phone at home and often, he would finish his day, walk back into his room and change into more casual clothes. I asked him about it. He told me that even though no one could see him over the phone, he wanted to make sure that he was as professional as he could be whenever he talked to his clients. He said the clothing helped remind him to do so. I often wondered how many of his clients knew how far Mike would go to take care of them.
My fondest memory of Mike was his four alarm clocks that would go off in the morning. Every one of the alarm clocks was of the "extra loud" variety, and would all go off within seconds of each other. My room was on another floor and on the opposite side of the house and they would wake me up! If you went to Mikes room, he would still be in bed, sound asleep. Shaking him or rolling him out of bed would do nothing. I finally found out that if the phone rang, Mike would instantly wake up and answer the phone before the first ring would stop. There were many mornings that phone calls were made from one room of the house to the other!
I also remember Mike as the 'Consummate Catholic'. He was instrumental in getting several of us on the FD, to go back to church regularly. Mike was always there when you needed him, even after he moved away.
It is not surprising to see how many people Mike has influenced over the years. Just being around him made everyone want to be better....Better in sports, better in life, better in everything, just like Mike.
Mike, if you are reading this, just know you have touched my life and made me a better person. I will never forget you.
Kurt Ploch
Mike is a brother firefighter still and always will be. I am honored to call him a friend and a coach as well. The memories haven't stopped since heard the news.
Mike had an office in our house. I can remember having the day off and would see Mike in his office. He was always in a clean and pressed dress shirt, tie, and dress pants. I always wondered why he would dress this way when he would literally walk down the hall from his bedroom and into his office. His work was always over the computer or phone at home and often, he would finish his day, walk back into his room and change into more casual clothes. I asked him about it. He told me that even though no one could see him over the phone, he wanted to make sure that he was as professional as he could be whenever he talked to his clients. He said the clothing helped remind him to do so. I often wondered how many of his clients knew how far Mike would go to take care of them.
My fondest memory of Mike was his four alarm clocks that would go off in the morning. Every one of the alarm clocks was of the "extra loud" variety, and would all go off within seconds of each other. My room was on another floor and on the opposite side of the house and they would wake me up! If you went to Mikes room, he would still be in bed, sound asleep. Shaking him or rolling him out of bed would do nothing. I finally found out that if the phone rang, Mike would instantly wake up and answer the phone before the first ring would stop. There were many mornings that phone calls were made from one room of the house to the other!
I also remember Mike as the 'Consummate Catholic'. He was instrumental in getting several of us on the FD, to go back to church regularly. Mike was always there when you needed him, even after he moved away.
It is not surprising to see how many people Mike has influenced over the years. Just being around him made everyone want to be better....Better in sports, better in life, better in everything, just like Mike.
Mike, if you are reading this, just know you have touched my life and made me a better person. I will never forget you.
Kurt Ploch
God Damn-it Jim!
Coach Koons used to lovingly call Sennett “the Fuehrer” because the man never lacked intensity in drilling the team to perfection. As many know, not playing the game the right way – his way – would bring swift, merciless wrath. His ability to identify correctable flaws knew no bounds. Yet I’ll never forget when Sennett screamed at me for actually playing well.
I’m defending Mario in a one-on-one drill during one of those soggy, March practices wearing full sweats with only short sticks allowed – pretty much the most miserable part of the season. Mario eventually gets by and I curse loudly at myself.
All of a sudden Sennett bellows, “God damn-it Jim! That’s good defense. That’s GOOD defense!”
I couldn’t even verbally abuse myself correctly. But at least I played good defense.
Living in DC I’ve had two “ah-ha” DeSmet lacrosse moments. The first happened when I entered a mall in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, realizing that this was the same place I got the team kicked out of years before. Apparently, some frown upon throwing pennies from 4th-story balconies.
The second occurred only today after reading about Sennett’s influence in growing lacrosse within St. Louis. He brought the team out here not to just to play top competition, but to show us the sport’s potential when whole regions of the country buy into lacrosse. I think Sennett wanted to replicate that in St. Louis. I believe eventually, he will.
Jim Lapides
‘97
I’m defending Mario in a one-on-one drill during one of those soggy, March practices wearing full sweats with only short sticks allowed – pretty much the most miserable part of the season. Mario eventually gets by and I curse loudly at myself.
All of a sudden Sennett bellows, “God damn-it Jim! That’s good defense. That’s GOOD defense!”
I couldn’t even verbally abuse myself correctly. But at least I played good defense.
Living in DC I’ve had two “ah-ha” DeSmet lacrosse moments. The first happened when I entered a mall in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, realizing that this was the same place I got the team kicked out of years before. Apparently, some frown upon throwing pennies from 4th-story balconies.
The second occurred only today after reading about Sennett’s influence in growing lacrosse within St. Louis. He brought the team out here not to just to play top competition, but to show us the sport’s potential when whole regions of the country buy into lacrosse. I think Sennett wanted to replicate that in St. Louis. I believe eventually, he will.
Jim Lapides
‘97
A Reflection
To the entire DeSmet Jesuit family:
The following reflection was written by Sister Louise Lears and appears in this week's bulletin from St. Cronan's Church. The reflection is entitled: "Simon, Son of Jesus, Do You Love Me?"
"I've been thinking a lot about my brother Jim these past two weeks. Some of you remember that Jim, aged 55, died suddenly in November, 2002. No warning, no symptoms, no signs of heart problems. He was with us one moment and gone the next. His death stunned us, and in the past four years, our family has learned that closure is a myth, that time does not heal all wounds (though it does smooth the jagged edges), and that life will never be the same again.
"Along with so many in our nation and world, I am grieving the terrible, sudden loss at Virginia Tech. My brother Jim would have been around the age of the slain facility members, some who sacrificed themselves trying to save their students. I have shuddered at the questions asked by journalists of surviving students and facility: 'How will you put this behind you? What will give you closure? When do you think that life will get back to normal?'
"Don't the reporters know that life will never be the same again for the Virginia Tech community? As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: 'Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love, and it would be wrong to try and find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very harsh at first, but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bonds between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; God doesn't fill it, but on the contrary, keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain.'
"In our gospel story last weekend, Peter and the disciples tried to 'get back to the normal' after the execution of Jesus. They went fishing, perhaps hoping that the familiarity of that daily task would help them cope with the devastating loss of their rabbi and friend. But they could not 'go back'- they had to find a new way to go forward with a new mission. Jesus helped Peter to see the new way.. Three times he asked: 'Simon, son of John, do you love me"' Peter must have been frustrated, wondering why Jesus kept asking the same question and giving the same response. But Jesus wanted Peter and the other disciples to understand fully their new mission: service for the love of Jesus.
"I've been thinking a lot about Jim, the Virginia Tech students and faculty, and the people who died in Iraq. How do we 'go on' when we know that life will never be the same? Our brother Jesus shows us all the way. Do you love me? Then feed each other. Reach out to each other. Nourish each other for the love of God."
May the peace of God be with you all,
Dennis Morgan
The following reflection was written by Sister Louise Lears and appears in this week's bulletin from St. Cronan's Church. The reflection is entitled: "Simon, Son of Jesus, Do You Love Me?"
"I've been thinking a lot about my brother Jim these past two weeks. Some of you remember that Jim, aged 55, died suddenly in November, 2002. No warning, no symptoms, no signs of heart problems. He was with us one moment and gone the next. His death stunned us, and in the past four years, our family has learned that closure is a myth, that time does not heal all wounds (though it does smooth the jagged edges), and that life will never be the same again.
"Along with so many in our nation and world, I am grieving the terrible, sudden loss at Virginia Tech. My brother Jim would have been around the age of the slain facility members, some who sacrificed themselves trying to save their students. I have shuddered at the questions asked by journalists of surviving students and facility: 'How will you put this behind you? What will give you closure? When do you think that life will get back to normal?'
"Don't the reporters know that life will never be the same again for the Virginia Tech community? As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: 'Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love, and it would be wrong to try and find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very harsh at first, but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bonds between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; God doesn't fill it, but on the contrary, keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain.'
"In our gospel story last weekend, Peter and the disciples tried to 'get back to the normal' after the execution of Jesus. They went fishing, perhaps hoping that the familiarity of that daily task would help them cope with the devastating loss of their rabbi and friend. But they could not 'go back'- they had to find a new way to go forward with a new mission. Jesus helped Peter to see the new way.. Three times he asked: 'Simon, son of John, do you love me"' Peter must have been frustrated, wondering why Jesus kept asking the same question and giving the same response. But Jesus wanted Peter and the other disciples to understand fully their new mission: service for the love of Jesus.
"I've been thinking a lot about Jim, the Virginia Tech students and faculty, and the people who died in Iraq. How do we 'go on' when we know that life will never be the same? Our brother Jesus shows us all the way. Do you love me? Then feed each other. Reach out to each other. Nourish each other for the love of God."
May the peace of God be with you all,
Dennis Morgan
A Man for Others
One thing that I have taken away from all of the posts are how influential of a person Sennett is. I am using the present tense because i know the lessons that he taught me will continue to carry me through the rest of my life. During times like these i remember how he helped me get through some rough times my senior year. I had been going through some family issues and one phrase that he told me has stuck with me to this day. "God will never throw something at you that you can't handle." That is one thing that i think of whenever i am in a rough spot and it always brings me back down to earth to think with a level head.
As a lacrosse player my biggest testament to Coach is after my senior game at Fairfield University when my offensive coach told me that i got everything out of my talent that i could possibly get. As it may sound like an insult to some he was right on point. I wasnt the biggest or the strongest player on the field, yet i was able to compete with the top talents in the game day in and day out because i knew the game. I learned the game from a great man who had a passion for the game that few could match. He taught me more on a field than i could have ever learned in a classroom and for that i am thankful.
Josh Thornton
DeSmet '02
Fairfield '06
As a lacrosse player my biggest testament to Coach is after my senior game at Fairfield University when my offensive coach told me that i got everything out of my talent that i could possibly get. As it may sound like an insult to some he was right on point. I wasnt the biggest or the strongest player on the field, yet i was able to compete with the top talents in the game day in and day out because i knew the game. I learned the game from a great man who had a passion for the game that few could match. He taught me more on a field than i could have ever learned in a classroom and for that i am thankful.
Josh Thornton
DeSmet '02
Fairfield '06
Thanks for Everything
It's nice to see everyone coming together to remember Mike. With the exception of my mother and father, I can't think of anyone who has taught me more lessons about how to be successful in life.
Mike and I had a funny relationship throughout my career at DeSmet. Everyone who played for him knows that he was not shy with words, and he would tell you exactly what he thought about you with a couple of expletives thrown in. Mike (deservedly) rode me harder than most, and, at the time I never really knew why.
I remember inciting his wrath in lines drills one day because I was holding my stick incorrectly in the breakout, over the shoulder drill. Mike saw this and quickly hopped in the line with us so that he was the one throwing the passes to me. For about ten consecutive passes, he literally shot the ball at me so that I would get crossed up and the ball would hit me in the back or in the back of my head. I swore Mike was trying to kill me.
When the drill was over, he started screaming at me because I knew the correct way to do the drill and for some reason continued to do it incorrectly. Mike and I would have the occasional encounter like this throughout my career, and I don't think I really understood what he was trying to do until I moved on to college.
Older and wiser, I realized that Mike, as a coach, was trying to teach me some of the most important lessons in life:
- You can always work harder
- You can always get better at what you do
- You can always get smarter
- You cannot do it alone; you are only as good as your teammates
Mike and I got much closer after my high school career was over, and he was a tremendous source of encouragement and advice throughout my collegiate lacrosse career. He has also been a close friend to the rest of my family throughout the years, despite the fact that none of us live in Missouri anymore (I'm in Philly and my folks are in Minnesota).
Mike worked long hours for little or no pay making DeSmet lacrosse as successful as it is, and I know of no other person who has given as much to that school and it's students, as asked for so little in return.
I feel very lucky to have known Mike, and to have learned these lessons from him. Thanks for everything Coach.
Beau Barnett
Class of '97
Mike and I had a funny relationship throughout my career at DeSmet. Everyone who played for him knows that he was not shy with words, and he would tell you exactly what he thought about you with a couple of expletives thrown in. Mike (deservedly) rode me harder than most, and, at the time I never really knew why.
I remember inciting his wrath in lines drills one day because I was holding my stick incorrectly in the breakout, over the shoulder drill. Mike saw this and quickly hopped in the line with us so that he was the one throwing the passes to me. For about ten consecutive passes, he literally shot the ball at me so that I would get crossed up and the ball would hit me in the back or in the back of my head. I swore Mike was trying to kill me.
When the drill was over, he started screaming at me because I knew the correct way to do the drill and for some reason continued to do it incorrectly. Mike and I would have the occasional encounter like this throughout my career, and I don't think I really understood what he was trying to do until I moved on to college.
Older and wiser, I realized that Mike, as a coach, was trying to teach me some of the most important lessons in life:
- You can always work harder
- You can always get better at what you do
- You can always get smarter
- You cannot do it alone; you are only as good as your teammates
Mike and I got much closer after my high school career was over, and he was a tremendous source of encouragement and advice throughout my collegiate lacrosse career. He has also been a close friend to the rest of my family throughout the years, despite the fact that none of us live in Missouri anymore (I'm in Philly and my folks are in Minnesota).
Mike worked long hours for little or no pay making DeSmet lacrosse as successful as it is, and I know of no other person who has given as much to that school and it's students, as asked for so little in return.
I feel very lucky to have known Mike, and to have learned these lessons from him. Thanks for everything Coach.
Beau Barnett
Class of '97
Man of Steal
He was such an inspiration to so many of us. There were so many things that he taught us not only as lax players but as people. He had the ability to bring out the greatest in all of us. How he could run a practice w/ 27 kids but at the same time play individual mind games to make us better players is such a testament to how dynamic and amazing of a man / coach he was. I've had so many coaches in my life but I will only have one COACH. I had the opportunity to speak w/ him just last week and he never sounded happier. He was looking forward to living his life w/ Amber. I guess there comes a time for all of us to go. He went out on top, as happy as ever doing what he loves.
People on the outside have no idea what he means to each and everyone of us. When you hear someone's coach dies, you think how unfortunate. This is different, he was so much more then a coach. We all lost a great great man. He was loved by most but respected by all.
count on me
commitment to excellence
what have you done for me lately
show some savy
nice poise
bounce back from adversity
paying the price
pick up the ball jim (voice cracking)
barnone
Paul Fusz '99
People on the outside have no idea what he means to each and everyone of us. When you hear someone's coach dies, you think how unfortunate. This is different, he was so much more then a coach. We all lost a great great man. He was loved by most but respected by all.
count on me
commitment to excellence
what have you done for me lately
show some savy
nice poise
bounce back from adversity
paying the price
pick up the ball jim (voice cracking)
barnone
Paul Fusz '99
Vision Quest
As everyone here is well aware of Mike Sennett was much more than a Coach, he was our Coach. Everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Coach left as a better person. He taught us all to challenge ourselves, and that no matter how great the challenge or insurmountable the task, he taught us to believe in ourselves.
I'll never forget my road trip to South Bend when the bus played Cannonball Run and Vision Quest. Honestly, I was just a 15-year-old kid who was stuck on a bus having to watch some 80's wrestling movie that I had zero interest in. Coach told us that Vision Quest was one of the greatest movies of all time, and after watching it, I better understood our Coach. The movie wasn't just about a coming of age Matthew Modine, it was about challenging yourself and making sacrifices. Coach defined sacrifice, he gave everything he had to DeSmet and the game of lacrosse, he embodied "Men For Others."
We will all miss him, and never forget the positive influence Coach had on our lives.
Count On Me,
Brian Reichardt (00')
I'll never forget my road trip to South Bend when the bus played Cannonball Run and Vision Quest. Honestly, I was just a 15-year-old kid who was stuck on a bus having to watch some 80's wrestling movie that I had zero interest in. Coach told us that Vision Quest was one of the greatest movies of all time, and after watching it, I better understood our Coach. The movie wasn't just about a coming of age Matthew Modine, it was about challenging yourself and making sacrifices. Coach defined sacrifice, he gave everything he had to DeSmet and the game of lacrosse, he embodied "Men For Others."
We will all miss him, and never forget the positive influence Coach had on our lives.
Count On Me,
Brian Reichardt (00')
From the DeSmet Lacrosse family...
On behalf of the '07 DeSmet Lacrosse family, we feel honored and blessed to have had Coach Sennett in our lives. The simple truth is that Mike is and will always be rememberd as a truly humble, genuinely decent, and extremely giving man. He sincerely lived the DeSmet motto, "Men for Others". We are heartbroken, and yet Mike would tell us to 'carry on'. And we will, with heavy hearts and wonderful memories of a man who taught all of us so much more than the game of lacrosse. (The picture above was taken in March, 2006, when Mike was inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. )
The DeSmet Lacrosse Family '07
There are few events that occur in one's life where we are able to say, "I'll never forget where I was when I heard the news". Much the same way, our parents may reflect on the news of President Kennedy's death, or how all of us can recall our location when we learned of the tragedy on Sept, 11 2001. I can say I will never forget where I was when I learned of the passing of the one of the most, if not the most influential and inspiring man in my life (short of my father). I was sitting on an airplane in Chicago awaiting departure, early Saturday morning, I had just called my wife to tell her we were were delayed when my phone rang, It was Ron Kelam, long time friend, teammate and Captain of so many who played between the years of 1993 and 1996, informing me that one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, had died... I can't think of a more appropriate person to hear the news from.
I do not have the words to describe the emotions that I have gone through since I heard the news. Let me just say, my thoughts and my prayers go out to all of his current and past players and friends. I would also like to commend Chris Goudy for the strength and leadership that he has had to show to the current De Smet Lacrosse players and families, I can't imagine how hard that must be to go through.
I'm sure anyone who knew coach, recognized that Mike Sennett was not your average coach, friend or leader. His dedication, devotion, intensity, ideals and love for the game of Lacrosse and those he coached was nothing short of awe inspiring . He was truly a man among men, and still to this day must be one of the toughest men I have ever met. I recall practicing at Parkway East, in the middle of a hale and sleet storm, it was so cold, the sleet was coming down damn near sideways, feeling in my hands and feet had left long ago even with gloves on under my lax gloves, and in the middle of the field is coach, in lax shorts, a short sleeved T-shirt, bare handed, hanging on to his stick, barking out orders, probably happier than a pig in sh*t knowing that he was the toughest SOB on that field, as the rest of us just prayed for an end to the misery.
I think the reason he was such an influence on me was because of his ideals and unwavering discipline. I'll never forget coach telling us he didn't have a girlfriend in college because of his dedication to the Notre Dame Lacrosse team (wow). For many of us, it was hard enough not to "go on a date" the night before a game. I can honestly say that without the inspiration and leadership from Mike Sennett I would have never had the discipline to excel towards my own personal goals. Mike was the kind of coach that even when you made, what you thought was the best play you have ever made, he would quickly tell you what you could have done to exceed even your own expectations of yourself. I'll never forget, my senior year, playing Ladue at Ladue, we were winning by a lot, which back then was nothing new. I had just drawn a penalty for playing with my free hand, a nice way of saying I punched the kid in the chest during a ground ball scrum (for those of you who know me or played with me understand it would be an understatement to say I played with some intensity). Anyway, possession changes, kid picks up the ball, attempts to spilt dodge me, when I hit him hard enough to send his feet somewhere about the height of my helmet (best hit of my life, right in front of our bench-I'm stoked), pick up the ball, fast break, long pass to Mike Ellis, goal. First thing coach says is "good job, but if you had waited longer to pass and followed the play, you could have gotten it back and scored that goal yourself"... he was right, I thought I had done everything I could on that play, I was wrong. He saw way more potential in all of us than we ever saw in ourselves. I'm sure anyone who ever played for coach could share similar stories from the field. He always pushed us to be more than we ever thought we could be and he helped us to realize it by bringing home state championships.
I'll never forget, right after we won state for the first time, giving coach a big hug, all he said was "don't ever stop giving back, don't ever stop..." I only hope that someday, when my time ends, I'll have done just that, and that I had made him proud.
Thanks Lambs, for putting this together...
Count On Me,
Eric M. Foss, '96 #27
I do not have the words to describe the emotions that I have gone through since I heard the news. Let me just say, my thoughts and my prayers go out to all of his current and past players and friends. I would also like to commend Chris Goudy for the strength and leadership that he has had to show to the current De Smet Lacrosse players and families, I can't imagine how hard that must be to go through.
I'm sure anyone who knew coach, recognized that Mike Sennett was not your average coach, friend or leader. His dedication, devotion, intensity, ideals and love for the game of Lacrosse and those he coached was nothing short of awe inspiring . He was truly a man among men, and still to this day must be one of the toughest men I have ever met. I recall practicing at Parkway East, in the middle of a hale and sleet storm, it was so cold, the sleet was coming down damn near sideways, feeling in my hands and feet had left long ago even with gloves on under my lax gloves, and in the middle of the field is coach, in lax shorts, a short sleeved T-shirt, bare handed, hanging on to his stick, barking out orders, probably happier than a pig in sh*t knowing that he was the toughest SOB on that field, as the rest of us just prayed for an end to the misery.
I think the reason he was such an influence on me was because of his ideals and unwavering discipline. I'll never forget coach telling us he didn't have a girlfriend in college because of his dedication to the Notre Dame Lacrosse team (wow). For many of us, it was hard enough not to "go on a date" the night before a game. I can honestly say that without the inspiration and leadership from Mike Sennett I would have never had the discipline to excel towards my own personal goals. Mike was the kind of coach that even when you made, what you thought was the best play you have ever made, he would quickly tell you what you could have done to exceed even your own expectations of yourself. I'll never forget, my senior year, playing Ladue at Ladue, we were winning by a lot, which back then was nothing new. I had just drawn a penalty for playing with my free hand, a nice way of saying I punched the kid in the chest during a ground ball scrum (for those of you who know me or played with me understand it would be an understatement to say I played with some intensity). Anyway, possession changes, kid picks up the ball, attempts to spilt dodge me, when I hit him hard enough to send his feet somewhere about the height of my helmet (best hit of my life, right in front of our bench-I'm stoked), pick up the ball, fast break, long pass to Mike Ellis, goal. First thing coach says is "good job, but if you had waited longer to pass and followed the play, you could have gotten it back and scored that goal yourself"... he was right, I thought I had done everything I could on that play, I was wrong. He saw way more potential in all of us than we ever saw in ourselves. I'm sure anyone who ever played for coach could share similar stories from the field. He always pushed us to be more than we ever thought we could be and he helped us to realize it by bringing home state championships.
I'll never forget, right after we won state for the first time, giving coach a big hug, all he said was "don't ever stop giving back, don't ever stop..." I only hope that someday, when my time ends, I'll have done just that, and that I had made him proud.
Thanks Lambs, for putting this together...
Count On Me,
Eric M. Foss, '96 #27
Thanks, Mike
Wow, I can't believe that this has happened. I think that we all saw things coming to an end a little early for Mike, with his ability to get all fired up at us or refs or just about anyone, his constant slugging of pepto bismol on trips, his rosy tanktop burn during the summer months, and his chew in, but this was all too soon.
One story that has always stuck in my mind about Sennett was from practicing over at that God-awful tech school every afternoon. We all used to quickly change in the parking lot and then hustle down for practice. We were all repremanded by the school for indeceny in the lot, and Sennett, red faced and mad as usual, shouted at us, "You can't change in the parking lot, I can because I wear lacrosse shorts for underwear!" He really was lax all the way, through and through. I also enjoyed how he lifted weights with a mouthguard in.
Mike was the one person that pushed me to play in college and I thank him for that. Who knows where I would be right now, if it weren't for all the experiences that I gained from the sport of lacrosse.
Thanks Mike, you will be missed. (So good to hear from everyone, sorry I can't make it back to STL for the service)
Mark Meyer ('98)
One story that has always stuck in my mind about Sennett was from practicing over at that God-awful tech school every afternoon. We all used to quickly change in the parking lot and then hustle down for practice. We were all repremanded by the school for indeceny in the lot, and Sennett, red faced and mad as usual, shouted at us, "You can't change in the parking lot, I can because I wear lacrosse shorts for underwear!" He really was lax all the way, through and through. I also enjoyed how he lifted weights with a mouthguard in.
Mike was the one person that pushed me to play in college and I thank him for that. Who knows where I would be right now, if it weren't for all the experiences that I gained from the sport of lacrosse.
Thanks Mike, you will be missed. (So good to hear from everyone, sorry I can't make it back to STL for the service)
Mark Meyer ('98)
So much more than a coach
He was my coach, he was our coach. But his influence was so much more than that word. I have had numerous coaches, none like him though. Aside from my father, he was/is the most influential man in my life. I will miss him deeply. We are luckly though, to have known him as we did. We are blessed to have been shaped by his love, guidence and care.
Dan Patterson
Class of 99'
Dan Patterson
Class of 99'
Adversity
The things that stick out in my mind are the on field lessons that he knew would carry over off the field. Coach made sure that these things stuck in our heads. Next play. Run through the line, don't stop before it. It's not what adversity you face, it's how you bounce back. And so many more. They all have meaning on and off the field. He has made a huge impact and the lives of many young men and will be deeply missed. GO SPARTANS!
Tom McHugh
Tom McHugh
The Ultimate Motivator
Coach had the rare ability to motivate people and push them well beyond what they thought where there limits, pushing us out of our comfort zones and helping us to achieve bigger and better things. Coach truly had a gift. I think we all had that moment of him blowing the whistle in the middle of practice, stopping the drill and marching down the field looking you square in the eye until he was right in your face and letting you have it the whole time, I will never forget the first time this happened, just sitting there thinking holy shit this is not going to be good. What I quickly learned was this was his passion and his passion was to make you a better player, a better teammate and more importantly a better person.
What he taught us on the field goes way beyond just the game of lacrosse, he taught us how to live life with a passion and no matter what you are doing you better be going at it a 110%. Coach had a huge impact on my life and I think I can safely say he impacted everyone else who had the privilege to know him and play for him. Many of us now coach lacrosse on many different levels and personally coach is one of the main reasons I started coaching, just hoping that I could have 1/2 of the impact on the kids that coach had on me. It truly is an honor to be able to say I played for Mike Sennett.
Brian Day '98
What he taught us on the field goes way beyond just the game of lacrosse, he taught us how to live life with a passion and no matter what you are doing you better be going at it a 110%. Coach had a huge impact on my life and I think I can safely say he impacted everyone else who had the privilege to know him and play for him. Many of us now coach lacrosse on many different levels and personally coach is one of the main reasons I started coaching, just hoping that I could have 1/2 of the impact on the kids that coach had on me. It truly is an honor to be able to say I played for Mike Sennett.
Brian Day '98
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
This past Saturday morning is a day that will forever be entombed in my memory. I woke to the sound of Ron Kelam's voice in my inbox, and I immediately knew something bad had happened. Little did I know, a few moments later I would hear words that sent a cold, numb chill down my spine. Life had reached out, smacked me upside the head, and said guess what buddy, this is reality...this is how the world turns.
Mike Sennett was taken from us all in the prime of his life. It doesn't seem fair and it's impossible to understand, but we can all take comfort in knowing that he's in a better place. James, you said it best...Mike left this world doing what he loved, truly happy with his place in life. Mike was a private person, yet he had such a huge impact on so many people's lives. For me personally, Mike was my coach, my advisor and most importantly, my friend! He helped shape who I am today, and for that I thank him. I can only imagine that Mike is looking down on us all from his lofty perch, staring in amazement at the outpouring of love, support and grief, all in his name. I thank God for putting him on this earth, for putting him in my life, and for allowing me to share in his life. Stories will be told for years to come, and with them his spirit will remain with us all. To the DeSmet lacrosse community, to Amber, to Mike's family and friends, to anyone that knew him, take comfort in the fact that you had the opportunity to know this man, to feel his spirit and witness his passion for life.
Thank you Mike!
Bill Patterson '96
Mike Sennett was taken from us all in the prime of his life. It doesn't seem fair and it's impossible to understand, but we can all take comfort in knowing that he's in a better place. James, you said it best...Mike left this world doing what he loved, truly happy with his place in life. Mike was a private person, yet he had such a huge impact on so many people's lives. For me personally, Mike was my coach, my advisor and most importantly, my friend! He helped shape who I am today, and for that I thank him. I can only imagine that Mike is looking down on us all from his lofty perch, staring in amazement at the outpouring of love, support and grief, all in his name. I thank God for putting him on this earth, for putting him in my life, and for allowing me to share in his life. Stories will be told for years to come, and with them his spirit will remain with us all. To the DeSmet lacrosse community, to Amber, to Mike's family and friends, to anyone that knew him, take comfort in the fact that you had the opportunity to know this man, to feel his spirit and witness his passion for life.
Thank you Mike!
Bill Patterson '96
Much More Than a Coach
The thing that I remember most is the fact that he cared for us all as individuals and not just athletes. He help me grow from a young boy into a man on and off the field. He was hard on us at times, like all coaches, but unlike all coaches he was there for us, even if it wasn't about lacrosse. I have had many coaches in my time and I compare all to Mike Sennett. None have lived up to what Mike brought to the table, in fact they have all fallen way short. He was a great Man, He was a great Coach, He was a Life Mentor, but most of all Mike Sennett was a Great Friend.
Love You Mike, you will be Missed!
Adam Swyers
Class of 2000
Love You Mike, you will be Missed!
Adam Swyers
Class of 2000
The day the cops came to practice
A good Steele story that has kept replaying itself in my head the last few days:
We show up to practice one day at Buder Park (why do I miss that sh*thole so much now?) to find a group of soccer coaches on our field, setting up for a tournament that was supposed to take place later that weekend. They're setting up shop in all of the surrounding fields, but have parked their truck in the middle of our lacrosse field. All of us get ready, run out to the field (always run, never walk), and are terrified of the possibility of a conditioning practice, which was a distinct possibility at that point. While we're throwing around, Sennett comes running up to the field. We congregate near the sideline, waiting for Coach to tell us what to do. He doesn't stop, but instead runs to the middle of the field, inspects the truck, and find that the keys are inside of it. To Sennett, the logical solution to this problem is... move the truck. He hops in and takes it to what he feels is a safe distance away from the field. We're in the middle of line drills when we see a police car drive up to the field. The soccer guys had called the cops on Sennett. Anyway, he goes over there to talk to them, and progressively raises his voice to the point of screaming at the cop. He's furious, and all of us agree that he looks like he's yelling at a ref in the middle of one of our games. When the cop starts to (or pretends to) write him a ticket, Sennett cools down (at least on the outside) and somehow manages to walk away from the situation, untouched by the law. We're all laughing at him as he comes back to practice, but it's obvious that he doesn't think it's funny at this point. And there you have it, the day when the cops showed up to lacrosse practice.
To a man who taught me all that I know about pride, confidence, humility, and the game of lacrosse, you will be greatly missed.
Steve Grelle "T-Rex"
Class of '05
We show up to practice one day at Buder Park (why do I miss that sh*thole so much now?) to find a group of soccer coaches on our field, setting up for a tournament that was supposed to take place later that weekend. They're setting up shop in all of the surrounding fields, but have parked their truck in the middle of our lacrosse field. All of us get ready, run out to the field (always run, never walk), and are terrified of the possibility of a conditioning practice, which was a distinct possibility at that point. While we're throwing around, Sennett comes running up to the field. We congregate near the sideline, waiting for Coach to tell us what to do. He doesn't stop, but instead runs to the middle of the field, inspects the truck, and find that the keys are inside of it. To Sennett, the logical solution to this problem is... move the truck. He hops in and takes it to what he feels is a safe distance away from the field. We're in the middle of line drills when we see a police car drive up to the field. The soccer guys had called the cops on Sennett. Anyway, he goes over there to talk to them, and progressively raises his voice to the point of screaming at the cop. He's furious, and all of us agree that he looks like he's yelling at a ref in the middle of one of our games. When the cop starts to (or pretends to) write him a ticket, Sennett cools down (at least on the outside) and somehow manages to walk away from the situation, untouched by the law. We're all laughing at him as he comes back to practice, but it's obvious that he doesn't think it's funny at this point. And there you have it, the day when the cops showed up to lacrosse practice.
To a man who taught me all that I know about pride, confidence, humility, and the game of lacrosse, you will be greatly missed.
Steve Grelle "T-Rex"
Class of '05
Sunday, April 29, 2007
spitting out drinks fries and burgers...the death of a Notre Dame cheerleader
To those who were there this should bring back a big laugh....to those who weren't there: you should have been.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for the better part of 12 years. As an assistant coach at Kirkwood with Bill Cragg for three years we always would get fired up for desmet games only to be pulverized once again. It was during that time when i became equainted with Mike and over the years I was blessed to sit on the same or opposing sidelines teaching young men this wonderful game. In that capacity he has no equal and the dedication he gave and demanded from his teams rivals no other. After a couple of years at K-wood i moved over to CBC where i have been the last 8 years.
this is a location story:
About 3 years ago the desmet and cbc teams went to the N.D. team camp. Both teams had justr graduated everyone and tough times were a brewing on the Lax field. Desmet was struggling and CBC.....well we just sucked! after a long grueling bus/car ride to Southbend with no A/C and then to have two days of brutal lacrosse, it was just about all any coach could take....finally the ride home....all of the coaches were riding in cars coming back from south bend and we decided to stop for burgers and fries along the way and to take a break. From CBC we had Rico, Jimmy Mac, myself and i think that was it. From DJ we had steele, Goudy, and i am having a hard time remembering who else but lets just say it doesn't matter. In the middle of eating lunch/dinner Jimmy Mac begins to describe a time when he was a Freshman at the Air Force Academy and they were playing Notre Dame in Football on National t.v. both teams were pretty good and it was quite the college sporting spectacle. Anyhow, Mac as a Freshman was on the "spirit committee" and his job this particular game day was to drive up and down the AFA sidelines in a converted golf cart which was pimped out to look like an F18 fighter....so, you can imagine how we see Mac all dressed up in his fighter Jock uniform tooling up and down the sidelines....we are all starting to laugh. It gets better: late in the fourth quarter and Mac is giving us a play by play description of how the game was going...in his best "Howard Coselle" voice....Big play of the game Notre Dame kicks to AFA and there is a big runback....Mac, paying no attention to anything else but the play is following the runback down the sidelines in his "F18 golf cart" keeping close contact with the ball carrier however paying no attention tohis surroundings and just as the AFA returner is going for the goal line.....Mac runs his "F18" into the Notre Dame cheerleaders who were in the process of building a pyramid. Mac comes to his senses with the butt of a ND cheerleader shoved in his face...she is extracated by fellow teammates and the Notre Dame "fighting Irish" mascot is throwing Heymakers at Mac and a brawl developes on the sidelines......You can imagine the Horror on Mikes face as this story is unfolding however, when Mac got to the end of the story we were all laughing so hard that fries, sodas and burgers were being spit everywhere....It was a good 20 minute belly laugh and just what the Dr. ordered at that point in time after a tough Lax weekend.... It was at that point in time when i started to know Steele as a just a guy and not the Desmet Lax coach...what a blast and what a lifetime memory.
To everyone who knew Mike better than i did....my prayers go out to all effected by this tragedy. I will never forget Mike and what he did for young men all over this country and what he did for me as a friend....he gave friendship back!
God Bless to all ,
Greg Bryan
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike for the better part of 12 years. As an assistant coach at Kirkwood with Bill Cragg for three years we always would get fired up for desmet games only to be pulverized once again. It was during that time when i became equainted with Mike and over the years I was blessed to sit on the same or opposing sidelines teaching young men this wonderful game. In that capacity he has no equal and the dedication he gave and demanded from his teams rivals no other. After a couple of years at K-wood i moved over to CBC where i have been the last 8 years.
this is a location story:
About 3 years ago the desmet and cbc teams went to the N.D. team camp. Both teams had justr graduated everyone and tough times were a brewing on the Lax field. Desmet was struggling and CBC.....well we just sucked! after a long grueling bus/car ride to Southbend with no A/C and then to have two days of brutal lacrosse, it was just about all any coach could take....finally the ride home....all of the coaches were riding in cars coming back from south bend and we decided to stop for burgers and fries along the way and to take a break. From CBC we had Rico, Jimmy Mac, myself and i think that was it. From DJ we had steele, Goudy, and i am having a hard time remembering who else but lets just say it doesn't matter. In the middle of eating lunch/dinner Jimmy Mac begins to describe a time when he was a Freshman at the Air Force Academy and they were playing Notre Dame in Football on National t.v. both teams were pretty good and it was quite the college sporting spectacle. Anyhow, Mac as a Freshman was on the "spirit committee" and his job this particular game day was to drive up and down the AFA sidelines in a converted golf cart which was pimped out to look like an F18 fighter....so, you can imagine how we see Mac all dressed up in his fighter Jock uniform tooling up and down the sidelines....we are all starting to laugh. It gets better: late in the fourth quarter and Mac is giving us a play by play description of how the game was going...in his best "Howard Coselle" voice....Big play of the game Notre Dame kicks to AFA and there is a big runback....Mac, paying no attention to anything else but the play is following the runback down the sidelines in his "F18 golf cart" keeping close contact with the ball carrier however paying no attention tohis surroundings and just as the AFA returner is going for the goal line.....Mac runs his "F18" into the Notre Dame cheerleaders who were in the process of building a pyramid. Mac comes to his senses with the butt of a ND cheerleader shoved in his face...she is extracated by fellow teammates and the Notre Dame "fighting Irish" mascot is throwing Heymakers at Mac and a brawl developes on the sidelines......You can imagine the Horror on Mikes face as this story is unfolding however, when Mac got to the end of the story we were all laughing so hard that fries, sodas and burgers were being spit everywhere....It was a good 20 minute belly laugh and just what the Dr. ordered at that point in time after a tough Lax weekend.... It was at that point in time when i started to know Steele as a just a guy and not the Desmet Lax coach...what a blast and what a lifetime memory.
To everyone who knew Mike better than i did....my prayers go out to all effected by this tragedy. I will never forget Mike and what he did for young men all over this country and what he did for me as a friend....he gave friendship back!
God Bless to all ,
Greg Bryan
A Thank You from Satch
What can I say about a guy that gave me the name "Satch"? The one word that I think describes Mike for me, is Intensity. They guy had more of it than anybody I have ever met. I remember watching him after practice taking shots on Chris Goudy. He would just fire shots at him without relenting in pace or placement. I always marveled at that because he did it with such purpose, such fire in his heart. Not to mention that he left work early to get to the field on time and then stayed late to make sure we were ready to play. He epitomized what a true coach was. He gave every piece of energy he had to get us ready to win. I remember his little schedule for the day that he had on a piece of paper the size of a business card that he tucked in his shorts. I remember his love of stringing his own sticks. I remember his way of making you more than what you thought you could be. I remember the feeling I felt when he praised me. He was a true leader, in every sense of the word. He gave of himself time after time so that young men could succeed.
I guess the one story that I remember happened my senior year. That year, after each practice, he made one person stand up and tell something about themselves or their life or what motivates them. Each day somebody different spoke. I can't remember anything that anybody said during those moments, but that was not important. What was important was how much he wanted us to be a team. In order to make us a team he had to break us down one by one. By doing that he both fostered our individuality and our chemistry as a team. I think Vince Lombardi would have been proud of the way Mike coached. He just got it.
"Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow." ~ Vince Lombardi
Thanks for everything Coach.
Mike Barnidge
"Satch"
I guess the one story that I remember happened my senior year. That year, after each practice, he made one person stand up and tell something about themselves or their life or what motivates them. Each day somebody different spoke. I can't remember anything that anybody said during those moments, but that was not important. What was important was how much he wanted us to be a team. In order to make us a team he had to break us down one by one. By doing that he both fostered our individuality and our chemistry as a team. I think Vince Lombardi would have been proud of the way Mike coached. He just got it.
"Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow." ~ Vince Lombardi
Thanks for everything Coach.
Mike Barnidge
"Satch"
Count on Me
Everyone,
Thanks go out to Lambs for putting this togehter. It means a lot.
Where to start? I think it's hitting me now. I can only imagine how hard it was for the kids and coaching staff who were there. Chris, thanks for taking my call yesterday. Father Marco thanks for calling me back yesterday.
I think we can all agree Mike was a very unique individual. He played such an important role in the lives of so many and I really believe he understood the impact he had on so many. I'm sure everyone has their own Sennett story. I will share one. After we played Lafayette my soph year at Lafeyette. I think we won. He came up to me after the game said I could play anywhere. He said I could play for Hopkins if I wanted. Some reason I choose Delaware. It was at that point I really began to think about playing college ball. I can remember how many times I called Sennett at night after practice in high school to ask for his help in choosing programs to look at. I look back and see how much he cared for each one of his players. Knowing him professionally I look at how many times I would walk into his office and talk about life, lacrosse, God, & what we were going to get from Einstein's for lunch. He helped me in so many ways and was someone I really looked up to. You could always count on Mike.
I know he is in a better place. I think he left with too soon and doing what he loved. I know he was truely happy at this point in his life and that's the most important thing. I want to say thanks for being such a great friend and person.
Thanks Brother
Jamie Andrew
Thanks go out to Lambs for putting this togehter. It means a lot.
Where to start? I think it's hitting me now. I can only imagine how hard it was for the kids and coaching staff who were there. Chris, thanks for taking my call yesterday. Father Marco thanks for calling me back yesterday.
I think we can all agree Mike was a very unique individual. He played such an important role in the lives of so many and I really believe he understood the impact he had on so many. I'm sure everyone has their own Sennett story. I will share one. After we played Lafayette my soph year at Lafeyette. I think we won. He came up to me after the game said I could play anywhere. He said I could play for Hopkins if I wanted. Some reason I choose Delaware. It was at that point I really began to think about playing college ball. I can remember how many times I called Sennett at night after practice in high school to ask for his help in choosing programs to look at. I look back and see how much he cared for each one of his players. Knowing him professionally I look at how many times I would walk into his office and talk about life, lacrosse, God, & what we were going to get from Einstein's for lunch. He helped me in so many ways and was someone I really looked up to. You could always count on Mike.
I know he is in a better place. I think he left with too soon and doing what he loved. I know he was truely happy at this point in his life and that's the most important thing. I want to say thanks for being such a great friend and person.
Thanks Brother
Jamie Andrew
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I heard the news yesterday morning in an Airport as i traveled back from yet another lacrosse event and i could help but wondor where i would be now if i had NOT had Coach in my life - i know that i wouldnt have gone on to play lacrosse in college without him, i wouldnt have moved out west to work (he was one of the three poeple that told me to head west and spread the game), i wouldnt be as successful as i am today, and most of all i would be the man that i am today without him. He taught me about character, responsibility, and doing the right thing in life.
I never got to play for him in high school but always thought of him as my coach for life - he was a mentor, team mate, brother, father, confidant, gaurdian, bust most of all he was a friend.
I remember mini goal at the end of Irish camp when he would run shop on all of us and show us how good a Division 1 player really is - even after his hay day - and his infamous Tank top
but most of all I remember everytime i talked to him on the phone he we tell me 'God Bless Johnny'
The most important thing i learned from Mike was "always be ready" - i had to drive his car home for him one day and he was emphatic on backing the car into the garage - i was a younger at the time 20 or 21 so i asked why it was so important - he said, "As a fireman you cant waste any time when you get the call to get to the house. You have to ready at any time. The little things are what save you the most time. So a fireman always backs into his garage so he can get out faster." It sounded just like everything i had heard on the field but it meant more know that he lived everyday like that.
Im on my way to coach a 3rd and 4th grade team and i hope that one day one of them can say the things we have said about Steele - that way i know i have passed on his legacy.
God Blass,
HUNT